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Home , Acts 8, Antioch of Pisidia, Eshmunazar II, Seleucus I Nicator, Simeon Niger, Tabnit

a Grace Notes course

The

Chapters 8 to 14

Compiled by Warren Doud

Grace Notes Web Site: http://www.gracenotes.info E-mail: [email protected]

ACTS - compiled by Warren Doud Chapters 8 to 14 Contents ...... 3 ...... 23 ...... 42 ...... 56 ...... 75 ...... 86 ...... 116

The first clause should be the concluding verse The Acts course is published in four parts, with of chapter 7. The () version, and seven chapters in each part. The files are titled: several other versions, have it that way. ACTS_chap1-7, ACTS_chap8-14, ACTS_chap15- Chapter 8 begins with the account of the great 21, and ACTS_chap22-28. persecution. Consenting ACTS 8 συνευδοκων – “to be willing: to approve with glad consent; with pleasure” Paul had great zeal ACTS 8 TOPICAL STUDIES for the death of Stephen and for the persecution that was brought against the in the TOPICAL STUDIES time that followed. Paul was confident that he There are topical studies in categorical served God by putting Christians to death, doctrine, history, biography, geography, and putting them in prison, and otherwise word studies accompanying each chapter of harassing them. Paul is not merely standing by Acts. They should be studied along with the here, he is enthusiastically and actively helping verse by verse commentary. with the murder of Stephen. To read these files, view or download them death from the Grace Notes Topics Library: anairesei – “murder; death”, literally, “to take https://www.gracenotes.online/topics/ up and carry away.” A very interesting use of Chastisement this idiom for death, especially as Stephen had Demons seen into heaven just before his death, and was now being taken immediately into the presence Grace of the Father. Happiness Happiness great persecution Holy Spirit diovgmo~ mega~ Holy Spirit, Indwelling It was against the church in , which is Mental Attitude no sooner planted than it is persecuted. Negative Volition often taught that tribulation and persecution Persecution in the Early Church would arise because of the Word. And the Lord had particularly foretold that Jerusalem would Preaching soon be made dangerous for his followers, for Repentance that city had been famous for killing the prophets and stoning those that were sent to it, Samaritan Woman Matthew 23:37. Sin Unto Death In this persecution many were put to death, for Suffering Paul states that at this time he “persecuted this Suffering way [] unto the death,” (:4): Acts 8:1, And was consenting unto his and that when they were put to death he gave death. And at that time there was a great his voice against them (:10).” 1 persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad According to some accounts, though they throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, cannot be depended on, two thousand persons except the apostles. 1 Henry, Matthew, Commentary on the Whole

ACTS 4

suffered at this time: and if this was the case, it From the Talmud, “they did not bury one that would certainly qualify as a great persecution. was stoned in the sepulchers of his fathers, but scattered abroad there were two burying places appointed by the sanhedrim, one for those that are stoned and 3rd person plural, aorist passive indicative of burnt, and another for those that are slain with “to scatter; to disperse” The passive diaspeivro the sword and strangled.” voice indicates that the people did not scatter themselves, but that they were scattered by According to the Tract Sanhedrin, Folio 45 and other people, namely, by those who were 46, the stone wherewith any one was stoned, persecuting them. the post on which he was hanged, the sword by which he was beheaded, and the cord by which Those who were scattered were the preachers he was strangled, were buried in the same place of the word; this does not speak of all believers with the bodies of the executed persons. As being scattered at this time. “Not all the these persons died under the curse of the law, members of the church [were scattered], nor the instruments by which they were put to perhaps any of the private ones; for we death were considered as unclean and afterwards read of devout that carried accursed, and therefore buried with their Stephen to his grave; and of the church being bodies. made havoc of by Saul; and of men and women being haled out of their houses, and committed So the men who buried Stephen were quite to prison by him; but all the preachers of the courageous and resolute, who would not allow word [were scattered], except the apostles; for Stephen to be buried in a common place like a they that were scattered went about preaching criminal. the word, (Acts 8:4, 11:19) Among these were carried (to his burial) Philip, who went to Samaria; Ananias, who was sugkomivzo “to collect; to bring together.” In at ; and others that went as far as the King James version, the words “to his Phenice, , and . 2 burial” are italicized, indicating that the except the apostles. translators added these words to make the meaning clear. There are many instances of this The apostles continued in Jerusalem, to found word in the Papyri. and organize the infant Church. This is an indication of their great courage in the face of From Catalog of the Greek Papyri in the John threats of imprisonment and death, a courage Rylands Library, Manchester, UK: which they showed all the rest of their lives. sunkomisavmenos ta pleista meri tei~ Acts 8:2, And devout men carried Stephen to his ekbavseo~ ton edafon. “having gathered the burial, and made great lamentation over him. greater part of the produce of the fields”. 3 The men who buried Stephen were members of Souter, in Pocket Lexicon to the Greek New the Christian community. They prepared Testament, Oxford Press, suggests that in Acts Stephen’s body for burial and took it to a place 8:2 the verb may not mean “to take up” or of burial, in contradiction of established “carry,” but “get back,” or “recover”, so that the Sanhedrin policy. men who cared for Stephen’s body had to Below are some comments from the Talmud recover it from the killing ground where he lay. 4 about the handling of the bodies of condemned people (although keep in mind that Stephen was not legally condemned; he was murdered by a furious mob.) 3 Moulton, James Hope and Milligan, George, The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament 2 Gill, John, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments. 4 Moulton and Milligan

ACTS 5

The meaning “to get back” is also seen in 40’s, and the wholesale arrest and execution of another source from the first century AD: dissidents in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. monon diagravfo ta deimovsia meidevn haling men and women sunkomizomevno~, “only I continue paying The word “haling,” is very weak, in that it does the public taxes without getting back anything not bring into English the violent capture of in return.” 5 (Sounds very modern for being people that is indicated by the Greek. One 2000 years ago! wd) “hails” a taxi, or a friend at a distance. lamentation But the verb suvro signifies dragging men and kopeto~ , literally, “breast beating”, thus an women before magistrates, or dragging them to justice, treating them in a violent manner. idiom for grievous mourning. Used quite often in the : Gen. 50:10; 4:3; cf. :8, “Ane the other disciples came in a Psalm 30:11; 5:16,17. little boat (for they were not far from land, but as it were 200 cubits), dragging (suvro) the net Acts 8:3, As for Saul, he made havoc of the with .” church, entering into every house, and haling men and women, committed them to prison. cf. Rev. 12:3,4, “…and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and Saul made havoc of the church seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew “Havoc” is from lumaino “to outrage; (suvro) the third part of the stars of heaven and dishonor; devastate; ravage.” The word is used did cast them to the earth…” of ferocious animals, such as bears or wolves, Saul, and other religious , invaded who track down and kill their prey. This shows Christian’s homes at any time of the day or with what diligent and persevering hatred Saul night and violently abducted men and women pursued the innocent Christians. and took them off to prison to be tortured and From the time of . in the sense “to murdered. treat disgracefully,” then more generally “to do committed them = paradivdomi – “to hand an injury,” “to hurt,” “to imperil” (e.g., the health over; to give over” of the body, the constitution of the state), “to destroy” (physically or morally), “to devastate” prison = fulakei. This is widely used in Greek (places in war), “to treat infamously,” “to for “guard” injure”. “The Romans alone had the power of life and In the Septuagint λυμαίνομαι (cf. Dan. 6:23; 2 death, the Sanhedrin, by whom Saul was Chr. 16:10; Isa. 65:25). The meaning is “to employed (Acts 26:10; Gal. 1:13) could do no destroy”, (Prov. 25:26), “to corrupt” or “to more than arrest and imprison, in order to disfigure” “to shame” ( Ezra. 16:25), “to inflict any punishment short of death. It is true, annihilate”, often, as outside the Bible, with a St. Paul himself says that some of them were suggestion of the arbitrary, irrational and put to death; but this was either done by wanton. Roman authority, or by what was called the judgment of zeal, i.e. when the mob took the entering into every house execution of the laws into their own hands, and All houses were searched, to find any who were massacred those whom they pretended to be Christians. The world’s recent history has blasphemers of God: for these sanctified their graphic examples of this kind of terrible murderous outrage under the specious name of treatment of people; for example, the hounding, zeal for God’s glory, and quoted the ensample of arresting, and murdering of Jews of many Phineas as a precedent. Such persons as these nations, by German Nazis in the 1930’s and formed a sect among the Jews; and are known

5 Moulton and Milligan

ACTS 6

in ecclesiastical history by the appellation of Stephen the only one who suffered death, as we or Sicarii.” 6 may infer from the apostle’s own confession.8 “Saul, the principal agent, was young, zealous, And what was worse than scourging or than learned, and clothed with power. He showed death itself, he used every effort to make them afterward that he had talents suited for any blaspheme that holy name whereby they were station, and zeal that tired with no exertion, and called. His fame as an inquisitor was notorious that was appalled by no obstacle. With this far and wide. Even at Damascus, Ananias had talent and this zeal he entered on his work. The heard (Acts 9:13) “how much evil he had done Christians were few and feeble. They were to Christ’s saints at Jerusalem.” He was known scattered and unarmed. They were unprotected there (Acts 9:21) as “he that destroyed them by any civil power, and exposed, therefore, to which called on this Name in Jerusalem.” It was the full blaze and rage of persecution. That the not without reason that in the deep repentance church was not destroyed was owing to the of his later years, he remembered how he had protection of God a protection which not only “persecuted the Church of God and wasted it,” secured its existence, but which extended its (Gal. 1:13; cf Phil. 3:6) how he had been a influence and power by means of this very “blasphemer, a persecutor, and injurious,” (1 persecution far abroad on the earth.” 7 Tim. 1:13), and that he felt he was “not meet to be called an Apostle,” because he “had “We cannot help observing how frequently 9 10 strong expressions concerning his share in the persecuted the Church of God.” injustice and cruelty now perpetrated are Acts 8:4, Therefore they that were scattered multiplied in the Scriptures. In Luke’s narrative, abroad went everywhere preaching the word. in St. Paul's own speeches, and in his earlier Christians were scattered throughout the and later , the subject recurs again and region as a result of the persecution that was again. He “made havoc of the Church,” invading taking place. Some had to seek employment the sanctuaries of domestic life, “entering into elsewhere, others feared for their lives and every house;” (Acts 8:3: see 9:2) and those moved to less hostile communities. Wherever whom he thus tore from their homes he they went, they witnessed for Christ, they “committed to prison;” or, in his own words at a “evangelized.” later period, when he had recognized as God’s These people were not “ordained” to preach; people those whom he now imagined to be His they were common folks who communicated to enemies, “thinking that he ought to do many their fellow-men in conversation and, probably things contrary to the name of of in the synagogues, where everyone had the Nazareth. … in Jerusalem … he shut up many of right to speak. “Out of the abundance of the the saints in prison. (Acts 26:9,10; cf. 22:3) heart the mouth speaks.” “And not only did men thus suffer at his hands, but women also, a fact three times repeated as a great aggravation of his cruelty (Acts 8:3; 9:2; 22:4). These persecuted people were scourged “in many synagogues.” (Acts 26:10) Nor was 8 “I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women (:4), and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them (Acts 26:10).” 9 1 Cor. 15:9. It should be observed that in all these passages from the Epistles the same word for 6 Clarke, Adam, Clarke’s Commentary on the New “persecution” is used. Testament 10 Conybeare and Howson, The Life and Epistles of 7 Barnes, A., Barnes’ Notes on the Bible St. Paul

ACTS 7

The means which was devised by for the well of Sychar. And now the time was come destroying the church became the instrument for both the “middle walls of partition” to be of its diffusion and establishment. destroyed. The dispersion brought Philip, a Preaching the word companion of Stephen, the second of the seven, 11 euaggelizomenoi ton logon “to carry the good to a city of Samaria. He came with the power news of the word.” See Acts 11:19. This is not of miracles and with the message of salvation. the usual word for preach. The were convinced by what they saw, they listened to what he said, and there Acts 8:5, Then Philip went down to the city of was great joy in that city. 12 Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. Philip went down Acts 8:6, And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, The distance from Jerusalem to (the hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. capital city of Samaria) is 35 miles. Jerusalem is 2740 feet above sea level; Sebaste is at about There were two things which fixed the 1450 MSL, or 1290 feet lower in elevation. attention of the people who listened to Philip, the things that he spoke and the miracles he Note the distinction between the evangelizing performed. Philip did real miracles, he had the which all the scattered believers did (verse 4), spiritual gift of miracles, which were and the formal preaching carried on by Philip. undeniably different and better than the The word “preached” here is from keirusso shallow of Simon the sorcerer. which means “to herald or proclaim.” They listened to Philip, took notice of the things The following list shows the other places in this he said, agreed with him, and took his message chapter where the word “preach” is used, and it to heart. A large part of the population in the gives the Greek from which the word is city were led to Christ by Philip’s ministry. translated. Acts 8:7, For unclean spirits, crying with loud 8:4, euaggelivzo voice, came out of many that were possessed 8:5, keiruvsso with them: and many taken with palsies, and 8:12, euaggelivzo (Philip) that were lame, were healed. This verse explains that demons, who 8:35, euaggelivzo possessed many of the people in the city, came 8:40, euaggelivzo out of those people. This is not a reference to cf. 8:25, diamarturevo “to testify; to some type of disease from which people were declare solemnly,” laleo “to speak; to healed, but it was the actual freeing of people from possession by fallen . Physical talk,” and euaggelivzo. healing is mentioned separately in this verse, The Jew looked upon the Samaritan as he indicating two different problems being solved. looked upon the Gentile. His hostility to the When a person accepts Christ as Savior, the Samaritan was probably the greater, in Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, come into proportion as he was nearer. In conformity that person’s life as an indwelling presence. with the economy which was observed before When the Holy Spirit indwells a believer, no the resurrection, Jesus Christ had said to His demon can occupy the same person. The disciples, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not; but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of 11 Acts 8:5. This was probably the ancient capital, at Israel.” (Matt. 10:5,6) Yet did the Savior give that time called Sebaste. The city of Sychar (John anticipative hints of His favor to Gentiles and 4:5) had also received a Greek name. It was then Samaritans, in His mercy to the Syrophoenician , and is still Nablus. woman, and in His interview with the woman at 12 Conybeare and Howson

ACTS 8

believer’s body is the sacred dwelling of the etc. The term “magi” came afterward to refer to Church Age, which makes it impossible for those who made use of the knowledge of these demon possession to occur in a Christian. (1 arts for the purpose of imposing on mankind, Cor. 3:16; 6:19,20) hence the rise of astrologers, soothsayers, palsied = paraluo “to be paralyzed or necromancers, fortune-tellers, etc. Such palsied.” persons pretended to predict future events by the positions of the stars, to cure diseases by Acts 8:8, And there was great joy in that city. incantations, etc. It was expressly forbidded the joy - kara “joy” Jews to consult such persons, on pain of death. Acts 8:9, But there was a certain man, called 13 Simon, which beforetime in the same city used Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, “ten times better than all the magicians and giving out that himself was some great one: astrologers what were in all his [NASB] Acts 8:9, “Now there was a certain man [Nebuchadnezzar’s] kingdom.” Dan. 1:20. names Simon, who formerly was practicing bewitched magic in the city, and astonishing the people This word is existavnon the pres. part. of of Samaria, claiming to be someone great.” exivsteimi, which means “to astonish; to Simon amaze” The translation in the NASB is much This is a common name in , and it was better, “asonishing the people of Samaria.” The the name of many men who wanted to be idea of “bewitching” is not in the original. known as messiahs or as healers. There are This is the effect which jugglers, magicians, and many legends about Simon of Samaria, but spirit mediums have on the minds of common none which have any historical validity. This is people. the first confrontation of Christianity with superstition and religious fakery, of which the Clarke writes, “The Persian, Arabian, Hindu, ancient world was at this period full. And Simon and Chinese jugglers are notorious to the was just one of the so-called wizards and false present day, and even while I write this (July messiahs that were multiplied at this time 1813) three Indian jugglers, lately arrived, are because of the expectation of a great deliverer astonishing the people of London; and if such and who took advantage of people’s gullibility persons can now interest and amaze the people by conjuring, juggling, and fortune-telling. of a city so cultivated and enlightened, what might such do among the people of Sychem or used sorcery Sebaste, eighteen hundred years ago?” 14 “Sorcery” is mageu~ , from which the word The strange things that Simon performed were “magic.” Thus, Simon used magical arts to fool unheard of, and so the people were completely the people, and he is commonly called Simon taken in, as we see in the following verses, Magus. because they were so amazed by what they The English word “sorcerer” comes from the saw. Latin sors “a lot.” (French: sorcier) The idea is giving out that himself was some great one that from the drawing of lots the future can be determined. This is very similar to the analysis Simon wanted people to believe that he of auspices and haruspices, reading tea leaves, possessed a powerful force, and that he was reading Tarot cards, and any other method of directly in contact with some supernatural trying to answer questions by selecting objects at random and interpreting the arrangement. The ancient Magi had their rise in Persia, and 13 Barnes were at first addicted to the study of 14 philosophy, astronomy, medicine, mathematics, Clarke

ACTS 9

agency. Verse 10 shows us that he was unwarranted. This phrase could simply mean successful. that they though his power came from God, that The Samaritans expected the Messiah. John there was a supernatural source to his amazing 4:25, “The woman saith unto him, I know that deeds. Barnes says that this statement “means Messiah cometh, who is called Christ; when he only that they believed that he was invested is come, he will tell us all things.” It may well be with the power of god, not that they supposed that Simon was trying to capitalize on this. that he really was God.” 15 People who don’t know Bible truth are set up to Acts 8:11, And to him they had regard, because be victims of every con man who comes along. for a long time he had bewitched them with It is the purpose of Bible teaching, and the sorceries. ministry of the local church, to provide [NASB] Acts 8:11, “And they were giving him information to believers which will protect attention because he had for a long time them against the “wiles of the devil.” astonished them with his magical arts.” READ Ephesians 4:11-24. And to him they had regard Note: if Simon’s magic was caused or enhanced “This is repeated from the foregoing verse, for by demon possession, the demons would have the sake of what follows: because that of a long left when he accepted Christ. His body became time he had bewitched them with sorceries; or the of the Holy Spirit, and demons because he had, it may be for many years, cannot possess Christians. If this is the case, it astonished them with his magic arts, and the would explain why he was so eager to have the pranks he played in the use of them.” 16 new “power” of laying on of hands, and was willing to pay for it. It also would help explain he had bewitched them why Peter’s response was to harsh. [same as verse 9, “amazed; confounded”] Acts 8:10, To whom they all gave heed, from the sorceries least to the greatest, saying, This man is the [same as verse 9, except plural “sorceries”] great power of God. Acts 8:12, But when they believed Philip NASB: “and they all, from smallest to greatest, preaching the things concerning the kingdom of were giving attention to him, saying, "This man God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were is what is called (kaleo)the Great Power of baptized, both men and women. God." they believed Philip To whom they all gave heed “Though they had been carried away so long “Give heed” is the aorist indicative of proeco, with this deceiver, and had been so much “to bring near; to give heed.” attached unto him, and held in admiration of The people were not only sensitive to the him; yet when Philip came and preached Christ strange things that Simon did, but the fully unto them, such was the power that attended believed in what he said and did. They thought his ministry, and such the [effect] of divine that what he was doing was real, and they were grace that was exerted, that they not only obedient to him. [immediately] gave heed unto him, but believed 17 from the least to the greatest what he said.” This means that people of every rank and quality, rich and poor, leaders and citizens, paid attention to Simon and applauded him. 15 saying, This man is the great power of God. Barnes Some commentators say that the people took 16 Gill Simon to be a deity, but I think this is 17 Gill

ACTS 10

It is evident that Philip’s word came with (Gill, Barnes, Robertson) state with confidence greater power than that of Simon; and that his that Simon’s profession of faith was pretended miracles stood the test in such a way as the and hypocritical, and that his motive was to feats of Simon could not. 18 take advantage of the new “power” that he saw in operation. Also, these commentators says - preaching euaggelizo that he was able to hide his hypocrisy so well the things concerning the kingdom of God that Philip was duped into allowing him to be That is, concerning the kingdom of the Messiah, baptised. the church age, the doctrines and principles of I differ with these scholars, simply because the Christian life; and concerning the kingdom there is nothing in this verse to indicate that of grace, which is spiritual and internal, and Simon’s belief was not genuine or that there which not in external things, as meat and was something wrong with his baptism. drink, but in righteousness, peace, and joy; and Robertson states “He was determined to get concerning the kingdom of glory, the fitness for this new “power” but had no sense of personal it, which lies in regenerating grace, and the need of Jesus as Savior for his sins.” But there is right unto it, which is the righteousness of no justification for this conclusion; there is no Christ. (Gill) way anyone could judge Simon’s heart and Philip spoke concerning the person of Christ, as mind. The Bible says simply that he believed, the Son of God: and the offices of Christ, as and there is no justification to add to or detract prophet, priest, and King; and the value of His from that. work on the Cross, His righteousness, and His True, he made a horrible mistake in trying to sacrifice, for pardon, justification, and buy his way into some spiritual gifts; but propitiation for sin. remember that Simon would have been a brand Contrast the positive volition of these new believer in Christ, no more able to make Samaritan people, with the negative volition of discerning decisions about what was proper in those who disputed with Stephen (). Both the Christian life than any other babe in Christ. groups of people heard the same gospel We know from Eph. 4:17-23 that a believer can message. The religious Jews of the Jerusalem have a manner of life that is indistinguishable synagogues were filled with self-righteousness from that of an unbeliever; and until a Christian and loathing for anything that was contrary to has had time to “put on the new man,” his their beliefs, so when they responded to natural areas of weakness are likely to be in Stephen with hatred and violence. The control much of the time. Samaritans were eager for the truth and when he was baptized accepted Christ immediately upon hearing the baptizo – “to be baptized” Simon was gospel. baptized by immersion, as were thousands of and were baptized other believers, beginning with the 3000 on Acts 8:13, Then Simon himself believed also: and the Day of . when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, he continued with Philip and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs Why did Simon associate himself with Philip? which were done. The context shows us that he was just as Simon believed also “amazed” at the miracles and signs that Philip Did Simon have saving faith in Christ as Savior; performed as the Samaritan’s were at Simon’s or did he only have a historical belief, perhaps, sorcery. Verses 18 and 19 show that he hoped that Jesus was Messiah and that Philip’s to master the secret of the apostles’ power, so miracles were genuine? Many commentators its clear that he was interested in keeping his status as a wonder-worker, and perhaps to 18 Clarke

ACTS 11

maintain his clientele, which had left his false The Divine Power in Peter rebuked the power teaching for the truth of the Gospel message. of evil which was working among the “Continued” is from the Greek proskarterevo Samaritans in the Person of , as which means “to be strong towards; to continue Paul afterwards in Cyprus, on his first steadfastly.” This word is used in Acts 1:14 to preaching to the Gentiles, rebuked the describe the disciples who “continued Sorcerer. 21 steadfastly” in prayer. Simon was focused and Samaria received the word of God motivated to remain with Philip as long as They heard that the Samaritans, who had, up to possible. this time, only received the five books of Moses, wondered now received not only the whole Bible, but the The Greek here is evxisteimi “to be amazed; to Gospel of Christ, as preached by Philip. wonder”. This is the same word used in verses The church at Jerusalem might have heard by a 9 and 11 and translated there “bewitched” (in letter, or by messengers sent from Philip to the KJV). This word refers to an “alteration in them, to acquaint them with the success of the the normal condition by which a person is Gospel; or from some individual travelers who thrown into a state of surprise, or fear, or in had been in those parts. which a person is so transported out of his Peter and John were not only fellow apostles, natural state that he falls into a trance.” 19 but very familiar and intimate companions, beholding the miracles and signs which were who were sent to confirm the doctrine of Philip, done and toestablish the young converts in it, and to form them into a Christian church and ordain “Beholding” is the present participle of ministers over them. theorevo “to gaze on; to be a spectator.” The word also implies that the person looking on is It was a major event for the apostles for now paying close attention to detail, thus Simon was the gospel was going into Samaria as Jesus had concentrating and focusing on these events. predicted (Acts 1:8). Though the Samaritans were nominally Jews, they were not held so by Acts 8:14, Now when the apostles which were at the people. The sending of Peter and John was Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the no reflection on Philip, but was an appropriate word of God, they sent unto them Peter and mission since “many Christian Jews would be John: scandalized by the admission of Samaritans” when the apostles which were at Jerusalem (Furneaux). If Peter and John sanctioned it, the heard situation would be improved. It is an The issue here was greater than simply Philip’s interesting sidelight that John had once wanted proclamation and the Samaritans’ response. It to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan involved the acceptance of new converts by the village (Luke 9:51-56), but the Lord Jesus had church in Jerusalem. This is the reason for the to rebuke him for his misplaced zeal. 22 arrival of the Jerusalem apostles. 20 Acts 8:15, Who, when they were come down, When the news came to Jerusalem, Peter and prayed for them, that they might receive the John were sent by the Apostles, and the same Holy Spirit: miraculous testimony attended their presence The main question here is, what was meant by which had been given on the day of Pentecost. the Holy Spirit? In Acts 8:20, it is called “the gift of God.” 19 Vine, W. A., Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and Words 21 Conybeare and Howson 20 McCalley, Chester, Commentary and Outline of 22 Robertson, A. T., Word Pictures in the New Acts. Testament

ACTS 12

The following remarks may make this plain: 23 and “suddenness” of his coming. Compare (1) It was not the activity of the Holy Spirit by 19:2. which “the soul is converted,” for they had this Here it does not mean to be baptized by the when they believed. Conversion is always authority of Jesus Christ, but it means to be accompanied by the Holy Spirit’s working, baptized for him and his service; to be especially in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. consecrated by this public profession to him (2) It was not the ordinary influence of the and to his cause. The expression is literally Spirit in sanctification, for sanctification is a “upon the name of Jesus Christ,” It is with an progressive work, and this was sudden. acknowledgment of him in that act as being what his name imports - the sinner’s only hope, (3) It was something that was discernible by his Redeemer, Lord, Justifier, King. “external effects”; for Simon saw that this was done by the laying on of hands. The profession which they were to make amounted to this: a confession of sins; a hearty (4) The phrase “the gift of the Holy Spirit,” and purpose to turn from them; a reception of Jesus “the descent of the Holy Spirit,” signified not as the Messiah and as a Saviour; and a merely his “ordinary” influences in converting determination to become his followers and to sinners, but those “extraordinary” influences be devoted to his service. It does not follow that attended the first preaching of the gospel that, in administering the ordinance of baptism, — the power of speaking with new tongues they used only the name of Jesus Christ. It is (), the power of working miracles, etc., much more probable that they used the form :6. prescribed by the Saviour himself (Matthew (5) This is further clear from the fact that 28:19); though, as the special mark of a Simon wished to “purchase” this power, Christian is that he receives and honors Jesus evidently to keep up his influence among the Christ, this name is used here as implying the people, and to retain his ascendency as a whole. The same thing occurs in Acts 19:5. 25 juggler and sorcerer. But surely Simon would not wish to “purchase” the converting and Acts 8:17, Then they laid their hands on them, sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit; it was and they received the Holy Spirit. the power of working miracles that he desired. Robertson: Laying on of hands did not occur on These things made it clear that by the gift of the the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4,33) nor in Acts Holy Spirit here is meant the power of speaking 4:31 or 10:44, nor is it mentioned in 1 with new tongues and the power of working Corinthians 12:14. It is mentioned in Acts 6:7 miracles. about the deacons and in Acts 13:3 when Acts 8:16, (For as yet he was fallen upon none of and Saul left Antioch. And in Saul’s them: only they were baptized in the name of case it was Ananias who laid his hands on him the Lord Jesus.) (Acts 9:17). Hence it cannot be concluded that the Holy Spirit was received only by the laying This expression is several times applied to the on of the hands of the apostles or by the hands Holy Spirit, Acts 10:44; 11:15. It does not differ 26 materially from the common expression, “The of anyone. Holy Spirit descended.” It means that he came Acts 8:18, And when Simon saw that through from heaven; and the expression “to fall,” laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit applied to his influences, denotes the “rapidity” was given, he offered them money,

24 Barnes 25 Barnes 23 Barnes 26 Robertson

ACTS 13

Simony is the ecclesiastical crime and personal sin of paying for offices or positions in the hierarchy of a church, named after Simon Magus. Simon Magus offers the disciples of Christ payment for the power to perform miracles. The mixing of temporal with spiritual authority in the Middle Ages caused endless problems with simony and accusations of simony. Secular rulers wanted to employ the educated and centrally organized clergy in their administrations, and often treated their spiritual positions as adjuncts to the secular administrative roles. Acts 8:19, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.\ Simon the sorcerer knew that God’s power was being demonstrated as the apostles ministered to the new believers in Samaria, and he wanted desperately to have that power and participate in the wonderful happenings, but he was terribly wrong in his thinking, as the next verses show. This is the whole point with this charlatan. He wants the power to pass on “this power.” His of “The Holy Spirit” was on this low level. He regarded spiritual functions as a marketable commodity. Money “can buy diamonds, but not wisdom, or sympathy, or faith, or holiness” 27.

27 Furneaux, Wm. Mordaunt, “The Acts of the Apostles; a commentary for the English reader.”

ACTS 8 12/29/2018, 12:02 AM

Comments on Ephesians 1:19, on the subject of power. Eph. 1:19, “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.” There are four great words in this verse for the POWER of God. The next time you sing the chorus of that hymn "Power in the Blood", remember these four Greek words. It might be a little hard to sing them with the music, but it's fun to try (quietly, I suppose, lest the parishioners think you're daft). The Greek words are (duvnami~), (energeia), (krato~), and (ivscu~). Here’s the verse again, showing where the different words are used. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power (duvnami~) toward us who believe, according to the working (energeia) of his mighty (krato~) power (ivscu~). and what the exceeding greatness: pres. act. part. of (uperbavllo), used as an adjective, “surpassing; unmeasureable” PLUS the noun (megetho~), “magnitude”. Thus, “what is the unmeasureable magnitude" of His power. of His power: (dunami~), “power, strength” This is a reference to God’s inherent power and strength; omnipotence. toward us (who) believe: pres. act. participle (pisteuo), used as an adjective in apposition to “us”. An expression of Grace. "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed." Therefore, “And what is the surpassing magnitude of his inherent power toward us, the believing ones”. Comment: • The plan of God depends on the power of God • The potential of our lives is unlimited because God supplies infinite power to us; the best of lives is available. And of course, when this life is over, we enter the presence of God. according to the working: (energeia), “operational power, energy, ability to work.” of his mighty power: (krato~) and (ivscu~) (krato~): power of control, dominion, might. (ivscu~): endowed power, the faculty of power. Summary of the four words for power: 1. (duvnami~): inherent power, the omnipotence of God 2. (energeia): the operational power of God (excludes all human power) 3. (krato~): power of control, dominion, might 4. (ivscu~): endowed power, the faculty of power. Eph. 1:19 is a verse of great assurance. All believers are in the plan of God and are maintained by His great power. God has the ability to execute His plan and to make every provision for now and eternity. Rom. 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Note 1: Your study is not complete until you have studied the topics that are called out in this study. The topical studies are available at the Grace Notes web site, in the Topical Library, at http://www.gracenotes.info. Or, send a request to: [email protected].

See also Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:7, 20; 1 Chr. 29:12; Psalm 110:1-3; Phil. 2:13; Col. 1:29; 2 Thess. 1:11,12 used for the “portion” of the spoils of war which Acts 8:20, But Peter said unto him, Your money would be divided among the conquerors. Since perish with you, because you have thought that an inheritance often included real estate, there the gift of God may be purchased with money. was sometimes the connotation of “region” or “district.” Peter tells Simon that he has no right This is a very serious rebuke. If Simon had not to any share of these spiritual activities. repented of his sin here, he could have died the sin unto death, as did. If lot we take it that Simon actually accepted Christ kleivro~ , translated “lot; dice; portion.” Of as Savior, when he believed Philip’s preaching, those who were to be partakers in a his soul would not go into hell; but he would distribution of some goods, there was quite suffer the final stage of chastisement, physical often a “lot” taken, such as when the soldiers death. divided the Lord Jesus’ clothing at His The phrase “your money perish with you” in crucifixion. Again, Peter is saying that there is Greek, To arguvrion sou sun soi eivn eiv~ not even a random chance that anything of this will accrue to Simon. apo`leian, is literally “Your silver be along with you for destruction.” The verb is in the optative in this matter mood, which expresses a wish or desire for the levgon…= “word” or “thing”…refers to the future. This is a wish that is based in reality; ministry in which Philip, Peter, and John are men can and do perish who have a non-grace involved, the winning of souls and establishing attitude. The natural meaning of Peter’s of the believers in their spiritual walk. Simon language is that Simon was on a fast road to does not have the apostolic spiritual gifts of destruction; but there is still room for apostleship, miracles, healing, etc. Neither does repentance, as the following verses show. he have any edification or Christian growth; he The thought is not that Simon was trying to is a babe in Christ, at best, who has a long ways bribe God, but that he is trying to purchase to go before he can have a productive ministry. something which by its very nature is free. your heart is not right Simon has the decidedly wrong idea about the The word “right” is euthuv~ , which means Holy Spirit, His gifts, and about grace. He “straight; upright.” This was used in Greek request contradicts Grace, by contradicting the mathematics to refer to “straight” lines in word “gift,” which means “without payment, geometric figures. Simon is not thinking undeserved.” He has no idea about how the straight. He is not motivated by notions of spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit; and purity, benevolence, a love for lost souls; but he he does not know that only God the Father has has a great pride, vain glory, and a love for control over what gifts an individual Christian money. He does not have a clean heart or a receives at the time of salvation. A person can right spirit; no true principles of Grace have no more purchase or earn a spiritual gift than grown in him. His heart was full of he can obtain salvation and eternal life by covetousness, ambition, and hypocrisy. paying for them. in the sight of God Acts 8:21, You have neither part nor lot in this Divine viewpoint, versus Simon’s human matter: for your heart is not right in the sight of viewpoint. Simon needs to “put off concerning God. the former manner of life the old man, which is part corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be mero~ , “part; district; region” This word was renewed in the spirit of the mind, and put on often used to denote the “portion” of an the new man, which after God is created in inheritance which is part of an estate; or, it was

ACTS 16

righteousness and true holiness.” (Eph. 4:22- not totally close the door on Simon. Although 24) Simon has given evidence of the sins of pride God the Father is the searcher of the heart and and greed, it is still possible for him to be the trier of the reins of the children of men. restored to fellowship, through repentance and confession. cf. 1 John 1:9. Acts 8:22, Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the may be forgiven you thought of your heart may be forgiven you. “Forgive” is the future indicative passive Repent afieivmi , “to dismiss; to pardon; to send forth; to discharge” Peter is saying that, with “to change the mind; to repent” metanoevo repentance and confession, the Lord will Obviously, Peter did not suppose his case to be “dismiss the charges” against Simon. utterly hopeless; though his sin, considered in Acts 8:23, For I perceive that you are in the gall its motives and objects, was of the worst kind. of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Compare with the case of Ananias and Sapphira, recorded in the first few verses of gall of bitterness . This is a Hebrew idiom for excessive bitterness. Ananias died immediately upon being Gall, wormwood, and such like, were used to confronted with his sin of lying to the Holy express the dreadful effects of sin in the soul; Spirit. His egregious sin would have had an the bitter repentance, bitter regret, bitter extremely bad effect on the Christian sufferings, bitter death, etc., which it produces. community, because it offered a great In Deuteronomy 29:18, idolatry and its stumbling block to new believers. Therefore, consequences are expressed, by having among divine discipline was swift and immediate. them a root that bears gall and wormwood. Notice, however, that Sapphira was apparently And in Hebrews 12:15, some grievous sin is offered a chance to confess, when Peter asked intended, when the apostle warns them, “lest her whether they had indeed sold the property any root of bitterness springing up, trouble you, for what Ananias had claimed. She could have and thereby many be defiled.” 1 said, “No.” and told Peter the true amount, thus bond of iniquity repenting, confessing, and avoiding the sin unto death. “Bond” is sundevsmo~ , referring to chains or shackles which bind. See Eph. 4:1, in which the Simon the sorcerer is offered an opportunity to Apostle Paul describes himself as a “prisoner” repent, which apparently he accepts (v. 24). At of the Lord, that is “in bondage” to Christ. The least there is no record of further chastisement for him. word denotes a close, firm bond (sun, together). It is used of the bond of Christian peace (Eph. your wickedness 4:3); of the close compacting of the church The word kakiva~ , “wickedness” is an old represented as a body (Col. 2:19); and of love as Greek word that is found in the Septuagint and the bond of perfectness (Col. 3:14). 2 in Greek literature. Here it is the genitive This is an allusion to the mode in which the singular of , which means “badness”, kakiva Romans secured their prisoners, chaining the from kavko~, “bad”, and translated “malice” in right hand of the prisoner to the left hand of the Ephesians 4:31 of the AV. soldier who guarded him; as if the apostle had if perhaps the thought of your heart said, Thou art tied and bound by the chain of “Thought” is epinoevo “to think upon; to conceive.” 1 Peter undoubtedly recognized this sin as being Clarke worthy of severe divine discipline, yet he does 2 Vincent

ACTS 17

thy sin; justice hath laid hold upon thee, and Whether you think Philip had come back to thou hast only a short respite before thy Jerusalem with the other apostles depends on execution, to see if thou wilt repent. 3 Simon is what you infer from this verse. The bound up in his sin, and only God the Father directed Philip to a highway going from can provide for his release. Jerusalem to Gaza; but that road could have been reached from Samaria, as well, so that Acts 8:24, Then answered Simon, and said, Pray Philip could have still been in Sebaste when the you to the Lord for me, that none of these things angel spoke to him. which you have spoken come upon me. Gaza is a Persian word meaning “riches.” The Simon is thoroughly frightened by which Peter city was called Gaza because Cambyses, king of has said to him. This is a desperate request to Persia, stored his treasures and military stores Peter and John for them to pray to God not to there, at the time he was waging war with the bring severe punishment to him. . The closest Arabic word is Acts 8:25, And when they had testified and makhzen, containing similar syllables, g-z, so preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Spaniards, in their dealings with the Moors, Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many coined the Spanish word magazen, whence the villages of the Samaritans. English word magazine, which signifies a store testified and preached or treasure or cache of military weapons and ammunition. Even the clip in an automatic = “to declare solemnly; to dismartuvromai weapon is called a “magazine.” Printed testify; to witness”. This verse show, and this publications are called “magazines” because chapter, show how the second phase of the they are a store of treasures, or a place where Lord’s commission, in Acts 1:8, was begun. “You valuable things are found (or should be found). shall be witness unto me in … all Samaria…” Acts 8:27, And he arose and went: and, behold, = “to speak; to tell” This is a different lalevo a man of , a of great authority word from the other ones translated “preach” under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had in this chapter. This is simply a telling of the the charge of all her treasure, and had come to gospel message, to such interested people as Jerusalem to worship, the apostles might have found in various villages, on their slow progress back to Once more we are permitted to see Philip on his Jerusalem. So the NASB has, “when they had labor of love. We obtain a glimpse of him on the testified and spoken the word.” road which leads down by Gaza to . The chamberlain of Queen Candace is passing returned to Jerusalem southwards on his return from Jerusalem, and Peter, John, and perhaps Philip (see v. 26 reading in his the prophecies of . 4 notes), returned to Jerusalem, preaching as Ethiopia is “stretching out her hands to God” they went in many villages of the Samaritans (Psalm 68:31), and the cry is not unheard. A the Gospel which had been welcomed in the teacher is provided at the moment of anxious city. inquiry. The stranger goes on his way rejoicing, preached the Gospel a who had found the Messiah, a Here the word “preached” is euaggelivzo which Christian baptized with water and the Holy means “to evangelize; to proclaim good news.” Spirit. Acts 8:26, And the angel of the Lord spoke unto Philip, having finished the work for which he Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south had been sent, is called elsewhere by the Spirit unto the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desert. 4 Candace is the name, not of an individual, but of a dynasty, like Aretas in Arabia, or like and 3 Clarke .

ACTS 18

of God. He proceeds to and we don’t says “Among these were the officers of Queen hear of him again, until, after the lapse of Candace, who in our days reigned over the twenty years, he received under his roof in that Ethiopians. She was a masculine woman, and city the Apostle Paul who, like himself, had blind in one eye.” Now, this could not have been traveled in obedience to the Divine command the Candace mentioned in Acts, but it “preaching in all the cities.” 5 establishes the fact that a queen of this name did exist there, and we learn from other people a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great that this was common name for queens of authority … had charge of all her treasure Ethiopia. This word was applied to many types of The later historian Pliny, writing about the persons in authority at court to which its literal reports of Nero’s messengers who had been meaning did not apply. A man set to guard a sent to examine the country of Ethiopia, said “a king’s harem might have been a literal eunuch. woman reigned there of the name of Candace, This man was a “lord chamberlain” because he which name had passed to their queens, had charge of the treasure. ( , common in gazei~ successively, for many years.” late Greek and Latin in referring to royal treasure). come to Jerusalem to worship From Clarke: Which is a proof that he was a Candace, queen of the Ethiopians worshipper of the God of Israel; but how came “It is known from credible writers engaged in he acquainted with the Jewish religion? Let us, no controversy that this Candace reigned upon for a little, examine this question. In 1 Kings the Nile in Atbara, near Egypt. Her capital was 10:1ff we have the account of the visit paid to taken in the time of , a few years by the queen of Sheba, the person to before the conversion of the slave by Philip. We whom our Lord refers, Matthew 12:42, and shall have occasion often to mention her Luke 11:31. It has been long credited by the successors and her kingdom as existing in the Abyssinians that this queen, who by some is reign of the Abyssinian kings, long after the called Balkis, by others Maqueda, was not only Mohammedan conquest. They existed when I instructed by Solomon in the Jewish religion, passed through Atbara, and do undoubtedly but also established it in her own empire on her th exist there to this day [late 18 Century. wd]”. return; that she had a son by Solomon named James Bruce (1730 to 1794), Travels to Discover Menilek, who succeeded her in the kingdom; the Source of the Nile, Vol. II, Page 431. and, from that time till the present, they have Bruce demonstrates in his documentation that preserved the Jewish religion. Atbara was formerly called Meroe, probably Mr. [James] Bruce throws some light upon this named this after the daughter of Cambyses, subject: the substance of what he says is the king of Persia. Meroe died in Ethiopia during following: “There can be no doubt of the the expedition which her father undertook expedition of the queen of Sheba; as Pagan, against the Ethiopians (and the Egyptians). Moor, Arab, Abyssinian, and all the countries The historian (Geography, about AD 20) round, vouch for it, nearly in the terms of mentions a queen in this district named Scripture. Our Savior calls her “queen of the Candace, and his words are very interesting. He south”; and she is called, in 1 Kings 10:1, etc., 2 Chronicles 9:1, etc., queen of Sheba or Saba; for Saba, Azab, and Azaba, all signify the south: and 5 “But Philip was found at Azotus; and, passing she is said to have come from the uttermost through, he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.” (Acts 8:40) “And the next day we that parts of the earth. In our Savior’s time the were of Paul’s company departed and came to boundaries of the known land, southward, were Caesarea, and we entered into the house of Philip Raptam or Prassum; which were the uttermost the Evangelist, which was one of the seven, and parts of the known earth, and were with great abode with him.” (Acts 21:8) propriety so styled by our Lord.

ACTS 19

The gold, myrrh, cassia, and frankincense, The prophets were sometimes kept in separate which she brought with her, are all products of books (scrolls). that country. The annals of the Abyssinians The books of Isaiah is very evangelical, so it state that she was a pagan when she left Saba or would be profitable to read, because of the Azab, to visit Solomon; and that she was there many prophecies concerning the Messiah, converted and had a son by Solomon, who especially in the portion the eunuch was succeeded her in the kingdom, as stated above. reading. Since he had just been in Jerusalem, All the inhabitants of this country, whether and may have heard of the claims of Jesus of Jews or Christians, believe this; and, farther, Nazareth, it would be natural for him to be that the Psalm 45 was a prophecy of her looking at these prophecies journey to Jerusalem; that she was Acts 8:29, Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go accompanied by a daughter of Hiram from near, and join yourself to this chariot. Tyre; and that the latter part of the Psalm is a It is not known what type of chariot this was; prophecy of her having a son by Solomon, and 6 there were many types in use. From the fact of his ruling over the Gentiles.” James Bruce that the eunuch asked Philip to some up and sit (1730 to 1794), Travels to Discover the Source with him, it was likely that this chariot was of the Nile, Vol. II, Page 431. more like a four-wheeled wagon. It was not a All this being granted, and especially the two-wheeled war chariot which required the Scripture fact of the queen of Sheba’s visit, and driver and rider to stand. Also less likely is that the great probability, supported by it was a palanquin, which was a cabin without uninterrupted tradition, that she established wheels, set upon poles and carried by slaves. the Jewish religion in her dominions on her Philip is now informed by the Lord of what his return, we may at once see that the eunuch in mission is to be. question was a descendant of those Jews; or that he was a proselyte in his own country to join yourself = kolleitheiti “to be glued to”. the Jewish faith, and was now come up at the Quite a vivid word; there might have been some great feast to worship God at Jerusalem. sort of running board on the chariot on which Philip could have stood, once he had Acts 8:28,Was returning, and sitting in his approached the chariot. chariot, reading Isaiah the prophet. Acts 8:30, And Philip ran to him, and heard him This official had gone to Jerusalem to worship, read the prophet Isaiah, and said, Do you and he was not wasting his time in idleness understand what you read? while he traveled; he was carefully searching for truth in the Word of God. We see here that Philip heard him reading, so he was reading aloud; possibly, as Gill thinks, He had probably purchased a scroll of Isaiah in because he would enjoy the sound of the Jerusalem; and he was very likely reading the Hebrew. Greek text of the Septuagint. 7 In Luke 4:17, The question which Philip asks begins with two Isaiah is called “the book of the prophet Esaias”. interrogative particles in the Greek; these indicate that there is some element of doubt in

Philip’s mind that the eunuch really 6 James Bruce (1730 to 1794), Travels to Discover understands the passage in Isaiah. This doubt is the Source of the Nile, Vol. II, Page 395ff. justified in the next verse, when the eunuch 7 Gill thinks that it was Isaiah in the Hebrew that admits that he does not understand the text. the eunuch read, for the reason that he was reading Acts 8:31, And he said, How can I, except some it aloud and enjoying the sound of the language, and man should guide me? And he desired Philip that that he was familiar with the Hebrew language, for he would come up and sit with him. the reasons stated in previous verses regarding the history of the Jews in Africa.

ACTS 20

This reply of the eunuch has been taken by “The metaphors of sheep and lamb express the some religions to mean that “the Scriptures innocence, meekness, and patience of Christ in cannot be understood without an authorized his sufferings and death; and his being like interpreter.” But how could he have known these when led to the slaughter, and dumb anything of the Gospel, or the new dispensation, before the shearer, show his willingness to to which the prophecy referred? suffer and die for his people, and to become a Wherever the Gospel was preached it was sacrifice for their sins. readily understood by any ordinary person “The allusion is to the sheep led either by the with an open mind, whether the evangelist was butcher to the slaughter house, or by the priest an apostle, a deacon like Philip, or any , to the altar, and to the lamb of a year old being male of female. Of course there are difficulties silent while it is shearing. Both denote the in some parts of the Bible, some of which even voluntariness of Christ in his sufferings, the the most enlightened scholars have not been stripping him of his good name, credit, and able to remove; but these problems do not deal reputation among men, and of all worldly with matters of common faith in Christ and substance, though Lord of all, and even of the salvation by grace. common blessings of nature, as of meat, drink, Undoubtedly a man like this court official, if he and raiment, and the light of the sun. had had the completed canon of Scripture “In particular the stripping him of his clothes, before him, could have come to a saving when his raiment was parted, and lots cast on knowledge of Christ without help. his vesture, is very aptly signified by the Note the humble and submission attitude of shearing of the lamb, all which he took very this official! He was not haughty or disdainful of patiently; and his being led forth to be crucified, Philip, whom he must have seen as a quite when he was offered up as a sacrifice on the ordinary man. He didn’t resent Philip’s cross, very fitly answers to the sheep being led interruption, and he was very gracious in to the slaughter, without showing any inviting Philip to ride with him in the chariot reluctance. and help him come to some knowledge of the “It was a custom with the Heathens to offer no truth. creature in sacrifice that struggled as it was led, Acts 8:32, The place of the scripture which he or made an opposition, or showed any read was this, He was led as a lamb to the reluctance. It is remarkable, that there was slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is nothing of this kind to be observed in Christ, dumb, so he opened not his mouth: who gave himself an offering, and a sacrifice; the reasons of which were, because of the great Read . love he bore to all people; and because of the Luke, in recording this passage, quotes from the good and advantage that would come to them Greek Septuagint (LXX), which has some thereby, he was content to be poor, that they variations from the original Hebrew. Some have might be rich; to be made sin, that they might taken this to mean that the eunuch was reading be made righteousness; to become a curse, that the LXX, and it may well have been that the the blessings of the covenant might come upon Holy Spirit, inspiring Luke, saw to it that this them; to be stripped of all things, that they was carried over into the New Testament might enjoy all: and because no other sacrifice canon. Indeed, Luke had contact with Philip a could atone for their sins; and because it was few years later (Acts 21:8ff), who might have his Father’s will, which always involves his filled him in on some of the details of the own. encounter. “So opened he not his mouth: In defense of The rest of the notes on this verse are taken himself, when such false things were laid to his from the commentary of John Gill. charge, and which he could have so easily refuted, and yet answered to nothing, to the

ACTS 21

astonishment of his judge. The reason was, sufferings, and render the words thus, “by an because he had the sins of his people on him, assembly, and by judgment he was taken for which he was willing to suffer; and away”; that is, by the Jewish Sanhedrin, and by therefore he declined self-vindication, lest he the judgment or sentence of , his should hinder the judicial process against him. life was taken away. Others interpret it of his “Nor did he open his mouth against his enemies resurrection from the dead, when he was taken by way of threatening or complaint, when they or delivered from the prison of the grave, and spat on him, blindfolded, and buffeted him, and could not be held any longer by the cords and bid him prophesy who smote him; and when pains of death; and from the judgment or the chief priests, Scribes, the common people, condemnation under which he lay, being and thieves mocked at him, and reviled him on justified in the Spirit, when he was raised from the cross, he opened not his lips unto them, nor the dead. against them, only for them, saying, Father, “The words, as here cited, differ from the forgive them; nor did he open his mouth against original text; which have caused some to think the justice of God, as bearing hard upon him; that there was a different reading of these neither did he complain of the strictness of its words, which the Septuagint followed, and Luke demands, abating him nothing; nor of the after them.” severity and weight of its strokes, not sparing Acts 8:34, And the eunuch answered Philip, and him at all; nor did he say one word against his said, I pray you, of whom speaks the prophet people, whose sins brought all his sorrows and this? of himself, or of some other man? sufferings on him, but made intercession for the : that is, he “addressed” Philip. transgressors, whose sins he bore.” answered Philip This is a very natural question. There is nothing Acts 8:33, In his humiliation his judgment was in the Isaiah text naming the person being taken away: and who shall declare his described. The eunuch has obviously thought a generation? for his life is taken from the earth. lot about this and was at a loss for an answer, Again, Gill: as anyone would be who had only the book of “In his humiliation his judgment was taken Isaiah for reference. away. The humiliation, or low estate of Christ, The ancient Jews applied the teaching to the lay in his assumption of human nature, with the Messiah. Thus, in the Targum of Jonathan, weaknesses and imperfections of it; in the Isaiah 52:13, which in the Bible reads “Behold meanness of his parentage and education; in my servant shall deal prudently…’ is expanded the sorrows he endured from his cradle to his “Behold, my servant, the Messiah, shall be cross; in his last conflict with Satan in the prospered…” It is very unlikely that the eunuch garden; in his being apprehended, bound, would have had knowledge of this teaching. scourged, and condemned, both by the His questions shows that he was thinking Sanhedrin, and the Roman governor; and in deeply enough to consider whether the passage being enclosed with the assembly of the wicked could have referred to Isaiah himself, or to any soldiers, who put on him their own clothes, and of the other prophets. The Lord provided Philip a crown of thorns on his head, and a reed in his with the answer. hand, and then in a mock manner bowed to him as king of the Jews; and last of all in his Acts 8:35, Then Philip opened his mouth, and obedience to death, even the death of the cross, began at the same scripture, and preached unto and in his being laid in the grave. him Jesus. “Now in this his low estate, “his judgment was Philip showed the Ethiopian official that Jesus taken away”; in the text [of Isaiah 53] the words of Nazareth exactly fulfilled the description that are, “he was taken from prison and from Isaiah had written, so that Jesus was the judgment”; which some understand of his Messiah. The statement “he began at the same scripture” indicates that he probably ranged

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outside of chapter 53 in his teaching, to show The eunuch commanded his chariot to halt by that Jesus was born of a virgin, was made under some stream of water that ran beside the road. the Law, obeyed the Law perfectly during his The text says that both of the men went into the lifetime. After all, Isaiah is rich in references to water (the NAS says “both”), and Philip actively the Messiah. performed the baptism of the eunuch, very Acts 8:36, And as they went on their way, they likely immersing him in the water. However … came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, This verse has been used by some people to See, here is water; what does hinder me to be point up the necessity for full immersion for baptized? baptism, or even for salvation. But the Greek The eunuch’s chariot continued to move down does not allow for that proof from this verse. the road to Africa, with Philip aboard. The could The preposition ei~ could be read “to” or have traveled several miles while this “unto”, as it is used in John 11:38, “Jesus, conversation and Philip’s teaching were carried therefore, groaning in Himself, cometh to (ei~) on. the grave…” and He was surely not going “into” We suppose from the fact that the eunuch the grave. wanted to be baptized, that Philip had even Now, verse 39 states that they “were come up taught him about water baptism as a means of out of the water,” which also makes us think identifying with Christ. The eunuch was that the men actually were in the water. convinced of the truth of the Gospel and was Acts 8:39, And when they were come up out of quite ready to proceed. the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away There is a lot of discussion in the writings of the Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he apostolic Fathers, and in other sources, as to went on his way rejoicing. where this water was located. Assuming they caught away = eirvpase; from arvpazo , were some miles south of Jerusalem, or “caught away; snatched”. This is a word for a between Jerusalem and Gaza, the location could forceful removal, taking away by force. have been Beth-horon, formerly Bethzur in the tribe of Judah, a place about two miles from This is the same word used in 1 Thess. 4:17, Hebron, twenty miles from Jerusalem. For all “Then we which are alive and remain shall be that, we don’t know. caught up (arvpazo) together with them in the clouds…” In the Latin, this very is translated Acts 8:37, And Philip said, If you believe with all rapere, from which the word Rapture is your heart, you may. And he answered and said, derived. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The language here suggest that the Holy Spirit The eunuch was a proselyte of the Jewish faith, removed Philip abruptly from the scene, to be sure, but he had no right to the ordinance possibly by some sort of miraculous of baptism unless he had faith in Christ for his transportation. However, there was no need of salvation. And Philip would not administer a miracle here; it was certainly not the will of baptism without hearing such a profession of God that Philip continue with the eunuch to repentance and acceptance. The eunuch gave a Ethiopia. He was to continue his ministry very clear profession. somewhere else. As we see next, he was in Note: this verse is not included in some Azotus (). manuscripts; however it is included in the went on his way rejoicing Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions. What a wonderful change in this man’s life! In Acts 8:38, And he commanded the chariot to just a few moments his life is transformed by stand still: and they went down into the water, the work of Christ in his heart and by having both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized the Spirit bestowed on him. him.

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Acts 8:40, But Philip was found at Azotus: and Clarke, Adam, Clarke’s Commentary on the New passing through he preached in all the cities, till Testament he came to Caesarea. Conybeare, W. J. and Howson, J. S., “The Life Philip would have worked his way up the coast and Epistles of St. Paul” from Azotus to Caesarea, and the cities he Furneaux, William Mordaunt, “The Acts of the preached in were probably Joppa, Lydda, Apostles, a commentary for English readers,” Askelon, Armarhea, and others along the coast. Oxford Clarendon Press, 1912. We will soon be visiting those cities ourselves Gill, John, Exposition of the Old and New in our studies in Acts 9 and 10. Testaments. Azotus the Greek name of Ashdod of the Henry, Matthew, Commentary on the Whole Philistines, famous in Samuel’s time for the Bible temple of the god (1 Sam. 5:1) It was about 55 miles from Jerusalem, and 35 miles McCalley, Chester, Commentary and Outline of from Gaza. Acts , Ashdod was one of the cities not taken by Moulton, James Hope and Milligan, George Joshua; and it remained in the possession of the The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament Philistines. When the Philistines captured the Vine, W. A., Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old ark of God, they brought it to the temple of and New Testament Words Dagon here, and Dagon was cast down before it ACTS 9 (1 Sam. 5:2,3). King Uzziah of Judah broke down Ashdod’s wall and built watchtowers ACTS 9 TOPICAL STUDIES around it (2 Chron. 26:6). Barnabas There is quite a bit of historical mention of this Damascus location. In the apocryphal book of 1 Edification Maccabees, there are several comments, most Glory of God having to do with the wars of the Jews, in which Hellenism Jonathan burned the temple of Dagon, along Hellenists and Arameans with those who had taken refuge in it, and the Lydda town of Azotus and its suburbs. Occupation with Christ Ashdod was about 30 miles from Gaza, on the Paul’s Early Life coast and having a seaport in those days; now Peace the sea is several miles away. Roads from Jerusalem to Damascus See Acts 21:8ff, regarding Paul’s visit with Synagogues Philip in Caesarea, about 20 years later. The Christian Walk Caesarea is also on the coast and it has a good The Sustaining Ministry of the Holy Spirit harbor. The ancient city, possibly the Hazor or Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out Joshua 11:1, was rebuilt by and renamed in Augustus Caesar’s honor. Herod threatenings and slaughter against the disciples built many great houses and buildings, and he of the Lord, went unto the high priest, built a Temple of Caesar, near the harbor, and Acts 9:1 Now Saul, still breathing threats and placed a statue of Augustus in it. It was the murder against the disciples of the Lord, went headquarters of the Roman government as long to the high priest, [NASB] as was a . Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter Saul’s persecution of Christians continued full BIBLIOGRAPHY: force through the period of time we have been Barnes, A., Barnes’ Notes on the Bible involved with the activities of Philip. The word

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“yet” here reminds us that there had been no dragging men and women and committing relaxing of the terrible ordeal of the Christians. them to prison. 10 Saul was determined to destroy the new church Threatening = “denunciation”; denotes intense of Christ!. The word “breathing” (Gk. pneo) is activity and energy in persecution used quite often by Greek writers to describe a Slaughter = “murder”; He rejoiced in their vehement and hostile affection of the mind. We death and he joined in condemning them. have already seen how he reveled in the death of Stephen! Now, the threatening and slaughter READ Acts 26:10,11. Saul seems to have been had come to be Saul’s very breath, like a directly involved in putting Christians to death. warhorse who sniffed the smell of battle. 8 against the disciples of the Lord 9 Not against wicked men, murderers, thieves; Some examples : but as an aggravation of his cruelty, against Theocritus, Idylls, XXII verse 82, harmless and innocent followers of Jesus. εϕ∼ µεσσον συναγον, φονον αϕλλαλοισι πνεο went unto the high priest ντε∼ “They came into the assembly, breathing This matter at least had the color of religion, mutual slaughter.” and the high priest was the correct person to Euripides, using the same form, in Iphigenia, ask for written accreditation for Saul to take to pur peieousa kai fonon “breathing out fire other cities. Such letters had to be granted by and slaughter” the Sanhedrin, but it was through the high And Aristophanes, referring to all the priest that the business would be negotiated. preparations for war, alla pneonta~ logca~ kai Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus leukolofou~ trufaleia~, kai peileika~, kai to the synagogues, that if he found any of this kneimida~, kai thumou~ eeiptaboeiou~ way, whether they were men or women, he “They breathed spears, and pikes, and helmets, might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. and crests, and greaves, and the fury of Acts 9:2 and asked for letters from him to the redoubted heroes.” synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he The phrase is also familiar in the Old might bring them bound to Jerusalem. [NASB] Testament, so that we have in Psalm 27:12, “one that breathes out violence”, or cruelty. Letters to Damascus to the synagogues This shows the inward disposition of Saul’s Namely, letters to the Jewish leadership in mind, his rage, wrath, malice, envy, and blood Damascus. thirstiness that he was full of. Yet, we know, the Acts 22:5, “As also the high priest doth bear me same mouth that was full of cursing and witness, and all the estate of the elders: from bitterness, was later to be used in the fulness of whom also I received letters unto the brethren, the blessing of the Gospel of Christ. and went to Damascus, to bring them which Luke was a master of the , so he were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be chose terms which best expressed Saul’s punished.” desperation and resentment and the incessant The “estate of all the elders” is the Sanhedrin. focus on his objective, the destruction of Saul wasn’t satisfied just to drive all of the Christians. This malicious zeal was already believers from Jerusalem, now he was made apparent to us in Acts 8:3, where we see determined to hound them wherever they went Saul entering into every house and forcibly for shelter.

8 Robertson, Acts 9:1 9 Clarke 10 Gill

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Damascus This is a common term in Acts for describing Christianity as a Way of Life. Damascus was for many centuries the of all . It is fifty miles from the READ Acts 19:8-9, 22-23; 22:4; 24:14,22. Mediterranean; from which it is separated by Jesus referred to Himself as “The Way, the lofty mountains. Two rivers run through it. It is Truth, and the Life…” in John 14:6. one of the most ancient cities in the world. It The ancient Jewish writers, the contributors to existed in the time of , Genesis 14:15; the Talmud and the commentaries, designated and how long before is not known. The city of the whole doctrine and practice of Christians by Damascus has always been a place of euphemisms such as DEREC HANOTSARIM, considerable commerce, owing to its being the meaning “the sect of Nazarenes”, by which they rendezvous for all the pilgrims from the north mean “Christians.” It seems that the Jewish of , on their road to and from the temple of writers preferred not to mention the name of Mecca. It is surrounded with strong walls, Christ, so that in most discussions of Christians, which have nine gates, and is between four and substitute phrases were used. five miles in circumference. Damascus, like Saul would have authority to take Jewish men other places of importance, has passed through and women into custody, but he would have no the hands of many masters. legal authority over Gentile believers. There It was captured and ruined by Tiglath Pileser, were very few Gentile believers at this time, but who carried away its inhabitants to Kin, beyond they would have been outside of the Jewish the Euphrates, about 740 years before the jurisdiction. Christian era; and thus was fulfilled the Almost every city had a Sanhedrin. The number prophecy of Isaiah, Isaiah 17:1-3, and that of of members was determined by the number of Amos, Amos 1:4, 5. Jewish people in the city. But every local It was taken by , and by the Sanhedrin was subordinate to the Great generals of the Great. Sanhedrin of Jerusalem. Metellus and Laelius seized it, during the war of It was actually Julius Caesar and Augustus who Pompey with Tigranes; before Christ 65. It formally gave Roman permission for the Jewish continued under the dominion of the Romans Sanhedrin to have jurisdiction over Jews in till the Saracens took possession of it, in A.D. Judea. 634. That he might bring them bound to It was besieged and taken by Teemour Lenk, Jerusalem. A.D. 1400, who put all the inhabitants to the “Bound” means that Saul meant to reduce these sword. people to a condition of sheer helplessness, like The Mamelukes repaired Damascus his other victims seen in 8:3. The fact of his when they took possession of Syria; but the persecuting women is mentioned by Paul Turkish Emperor Selim having defeated them at himself as having been especially sinful, and the battle of . was undoubtedly one of the reasons he called In 1516, Damascus was brought under the himself the “chief of sinners.” government of the Turks. Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near In the time of St. Paul it was governed by “King” Damascus: and suddenly there shined round Aretas, whose father, Obodas, had been about him a light from heaven: governor of it under Augustus. There is some Acts 9:3 And it came about that as he journeyed, information about Aretas in Conybeare and he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a Howson. light from heaven flashed around him; [NASB] any of this Way There has always been great speculation as to what this light was. Some say great lightning,

ACTS 26

followed by thunder, followed by the Lord the ascended Messiah. That he did appear is speaking in a great and terrible voice. However, expressly affirmed. we only have the various mentions of this event (6) This was an occasion when, if ever, such an in the Bible for any real answers. appearance was proper. The design was to convert an infuriated persecutor, and to make Acts 22:6, “And it came to pass, that, as I made him an apostle. To do this, it was necessary that my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus he should see the Lord Jesus, 1 Corinthians about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven 9:1,2. The design was further to make him an a great light round about me.” eminent instrument in carrying the gospel to the Likewise, in Acts 26:13, “At midday, O king, I Gentiles. A signal miracle; a demonstration that he was invested with his appropriate glory saw in the way a light from heaven, above the (John 17:5); a calling up a new witness to the brightness of the sun, shining round about me fact of his resurrection, and of his solemn and them which journeyed with me.” investment with glory in the heavens, seemed to Since this event took place a midday, the great be required in thus calling a violent persecutor light must have been very bright, to have been to be an apostle and friend. so remarkable in the full light of day. (7) We are to regard this appearance, therefore, as the reappearance of the Shechinah, the Son of 11 Barnes makes the following remarks: God invested with appropriate glory, appearing (1) God was accustomed to appear to the Jews in a to convince an enemy of his ascension, and to cloud; in a pillar of smoke, or of fire; in that change him from a foe to a friend. special splendor which they [named] the How long did the light persist? From the fact Shechinah. In this way he went before them into that the Messiah was making a special the land of , Exodus 13:21,22; compare appearance to Saul, quite clearly similar to all Isaiah 4:5,6. This appearance or visible former appearances down through history, manifestation they called the “glory of” YAHWEH, Isaiah 6:1-4; Exodus 16:7, “In the such as those described by Barnes (above), the morning ye shall see the glory of the Lord”; Acts light undoubtedly lasted as long as Christ was 9:10; Leviticus 9:23; Numbers 14:10; 16:19, 42; present. 24:16; 1 Kings 8:11; Ezekiel 10:4. See Luke 2:9, Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a “The glory of the Lord shone round about them.” voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why do you The Lord Jesus, in his transfiguration on the (2) persecute me? mount, had been encompassed with that glory. See Matthew 17:1-5. Some old paintings represent Saul has having (3) He had spoken of a similar glory with which he been struck down from a horse by lightning; had been invested before his incarnation, and to but this is absolutely without foundation. As which he would return; John 17:5, “And now, Clarke says, “Painters are, in almost every case, Father, glorify thou me with the glory which I wretched commentators.” had with thee before the world was”; Matthew 25:31, “The Son of Man shall come in his glory.” In Acts 26:14, Paul states “We were all fallen to Compare Matthew 16:27; 19:28. To this glory he the earth.” But here, in 9:7, it states that the had returned when he left the earth. men “stood speechless.” But there doesn’t need (4) It is a sentiment which cannot be shown to be to be any contradiction. If the men were incorrect, that the various appearances of “the stunned by the great light, so much that they angel of Yahweh,” and of Yahweh, mentioned in went down to the ground in some way, they the Old Testament, were appearances of the could well have been back on their feet some Messiah the God who would be incarnate — the moments later, when the conversation between special protector of his people. See Isaiah 6; Saul and Christ occurred. compare with John 12:41. (5) When the Lord Jesus appeared to Saul, it would It’s interesting to compare Daniel’s experience have been in his appropriate glory and honor as in the visions that he experienced. Daniel 8:17, “So he came near where I stood: 11 Barnes, Acts 9:3 and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon

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my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O Christ could have told Saul immediately what son of man: for at the time of the end shall be His plans for him were, but he chose to the vision.” communicate the message through one of those Daniel 10:8, “Therefore I was left alone, and very people (Ananias) whom Saul was intending to capture and bring to Jerusalem. saw this great vision; and there remained no strength in me, for my comeliness (vigor) in Acts 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him me was turned into corruption, and I retained stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no no strength.” man. In persecuting the Christians, Saul was The men were “stupefied.” They heard persecuting Christ. We are the body of Christ, something that sounded like a voice, but they and there is a perfect union of Christians with didn’t see the Lord. This statement is a strong Christ (Positional Truth). indication, within this context alone, that the Lord actually did appear to Saul, although some READ John 15:1-6 have argued “not necessarily.” But Paul’s own Acts 9:5 And he said, Who are you, Lord? And words in 1 Cor. 9:1 and 15:8 show that there the Lord said, I am Jesus whom you persecute: it was an actual appearance of the Person of is hard for you to kick against the goads. Christ. Note the phrase not included in the NASB. 1 Cor. 9:1, “Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? The question “Who are you, Lord?” indicates Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” that Saul did not know at first who was 1 Cor. 15:8, “And last of all, He was seen of me speaking to him. The Greek kurie is a common also, as of one born out of due time.” term for “Sir” even today in . A modern In Acts 22:9, Paul says, “And they that were Greek would say, to say “Good kalimera kurie! with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; morning sir.” in polite address. but they heard not the voice of him that spake The words from here on, through the middle of to me.” This indicates that the men heard a verse 6, are not found in any Greek noise but did not understand the Lord’s words manuscripts. The NASB version shows the to Saul. omission. According to Clarke, not only are Acts 9:8 And Saul arose from the earth; and these comments not found in Greek when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but manuscripts, that are not found in many other language translation, including the Arabic, they led him by the hand, and brought him into Syriac, Coptic, Sahidic, and other versions. It is Damascus. found in the Vulgate, the Ethiopic, and the Acts 9:8 And Saul got up from the ground, and 12 though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; Armenian. Clarke surmises that these and leading him by the hand, they brought him into phrases were borrowed from Acts 26:14, and Damascus. [NASB] from some marginal notes, by translators of He saw no man. various periods. Some manuscripts have oudena , “no man”, So Jesus said, “I am Jesus, whom you are while others have , “nothing.” Either persecuting; now arise and go into the city, and ouden word indicates that he was quite blind. So his it shall be told you what you must do.” companions led him by the hand to Damascus. Acts 9:6 And trembling and astonished he said, He is as helpless as a child; undoubtedly the Lord, what will you have me do? And the Lord blindness, which lasted several days, gave him said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it an opportunity to think deeply about what the shall be told you what you must do. Lord had said to him, and eventually what he would hear from Ananias.

12 Clarke, Acts 9:5

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This is the last we hear of those who were Ananias name was very common among Jewish traveling with Saul. They were undoubtedly people, and means “Jehovah is gracious,” very traveling with him to help him to arrest appropriate for this man of God, if not so for Christians and escort them in bondage back to another Ananias, of Acts 5:1. Note that Daniel’s Jerusalem. They could only have been mystified friend, Hananiah, had that name (Dan. 1:6). about the affair, and Saul had little information Ananias seems to have been well established in to give them about what had happened. After Damascus. He had a home and was available for delivering Saul to Ananias’ care, they probably the service the Lord called him to. It is not likely returned to Jerusalem. that he was one of the Christians who fled Acts 9:9 And he was three days without sight, Jerusalem at the persecution, if only that he and neither ate nor drank. would probably not have had time to settle in. Acts 9:9 And he was three days without sight, and We have another indication that he was a neither ate nor drank. [NASB] settled citizen of Damascus in verse 13, where Saul was probably in a state of some shock and he states “I have heard by many of this man.” had no appetite for food for three days. All of He was not an eyewitness of Saul’s these circumstances would have contributed to persecutions, but he had heard the accounts this. from many other people, probably from those The period without food may have been as little who had actually fled from Jerusalem. as 36 hours, or less; however, if the three days We know nothing concerning Ananias except were reckoned from the evening of the day he what we learn from Luke or from Paul. He was arrived in Damascus until the morning of the a Jew who had become a disciple of Christ, and second day following, when Ananias visited he was well reputed and held to be “devout him. Similarly the three days were counted in according to the Law,” among “all the Jews who which Jesus lay in the grave, from Friday dwelt at Damascus (Acts 22:12). He is never evening until Sunday morning; that is, not a full mentioned by St. Paul in his Epistles; and the 72 hours. later stories respecting his history are Acts 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at unsupported by proof. Though he was not Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said to ignorant of the new convert’s previous him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I character, it seems evident that he had no personal acquaintance with him, or he would am here, Lord. hardly have been described as “one called Saul Acts 9:10 ¶ Now there was a certain disciple at of ,” lodging in the house of Judas. He Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Behold, was not an Apostle, nor one of the conspicuous here am I, Lord.” [NASB] members of the Church. And it was not without a deep significance that he who was called to be a disciple at Damascus, named Ananias an Apostle, should be baptized by one of whom The Greek Orthodox tradition says that Ananias the Church knows nothing, except that he was a was one of the 72 disciples of Jesus, one of Christian disciple and had been a devout Jew. those who went out two-by-two in evangelism. They also say that he became the bishop of and the Lord said to him in a vision Damascus and was martyred there. Other From Acts 9:17 we see that it was the Lord tradition suggests that his house was turned Jesus Christ who appeared to Ananias, for we into a church. But these traditions can’t be see later that Ananias told Paul that it was the relied on for historical accuracy. “Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto you in the However, this may be, from Acts 22:12 we learn way…” that he was a devout man according to the Law, Acts 9:17, “And Ananias went his way, and having a good report of all the Jews that lived in entered into the house; and putting his hands on Damascus. him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto you in the way as you came, has sent

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me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled Saul, of Tarsus with the Holy Spirit.” This is a good time to study the topic of Paul’s The vision may have been in the form of a Childhood in Tarsus. Tarsus in was a dream; some manuscripts add that the vision great city in its day, rivaling and was “in the night.” In any case, this method was in the arts, sciences, and Greek culture used by the Lord to communicate some very and philosophy. The same city was called special directions to Ananias. Tarshish in the Old Testament. In the time of Acts 9:11 And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go Julius Caesar, the people of Tarsus showed into the street which is called Straight, and themselves helpful in making many exertions inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, and sacrifies for during the civil wars of of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays, Rome, so they were given Roman citizenship, Acts 9:11 And the Lord said to him, "Arise and go by the declaration of the Roman emperor, to the street called Straight, and inquire at the Augustus. It is on this basis that Paul later house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, claimed the rights due him as a Roman citizen, for behold, he is praying, [NASB] something which was of considerable service to the Street which is called Straight him and to the cause of Christianity. In modern times, a long street called the behold, he prays Meidan stretches along the southern part of the This tells us how Saul spent his time during the city, passing beyond the city wall and three days he was blind and fasting. This terminating at the BAWWABET ALLAH ("The remark made to Ananias would serve gate of God"), which is the starting-point of the somewhat to reduce the obvious apprehension annual HAJ, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. he felt when he was told to seek out Saul. As In the Greek and Roman period most of the city Ananias would learn, these prayers were those lanes were crooked, but the street called of a brokenhearted sinner, and his prayer was “Straight” a long street, which had columns at in dependence on the grace and mercy of God, regular intervals on both sides of the not on his own righteousness as a keeper of the thoroughfare, ran through the city. Law. Archaeologists have uncovered parts of this Acts 9:12 And has seen in a vision a man named street, and have determined that it runs from Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, east to west, with the Jewish Quarter on the that he might receive his sight. South and the Christian quarter on the North. Acts 9:12 and he has seen in a vision a man named On the West end of town the street ends in a Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that bazaar, north of which is the Moslem quarter of he might regain his sight. “ [NASB] the city, in which are the citadel and the Great Saul himself also had a vision from God; he was Mosque. being prepared for Ananias’ visit so that he Parts of the city wall have been preserved with could better profit from it. Some manuscripts a foundation going back to Roman times, with do not have the phrase “in a vision;” however, Arab rebuilding above it. even if we just read “And he has seen a man named Ananias coming in…”, the fact that he Judas had some foreknowledge of the meeting There is no information on who Judas was; indicates that the Lord was preparing him by except that we might infer that he was also a some supernatural means. Christian believer with a gift for hospitality. This information was given to Saul to identify Against that idea, some claim that Judas’ house Ananias and to assure him about Ananias, that was merely a place where Saul was in the habit he was no impostor. of staying when he came to Damascus, and that his companions brought him there, ignorant of Then, the information that Saul had received a any of the Christian implications of this event. vision was told to Ananias, in order to give him

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further encouragement that it was safe, and Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is proper, for him to go to Saul. Even with the a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name information that Saul was in prayer, and that he before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of had received a vision from God, Ananias still Israel; [NASB] had serious misgivings. Go your way Acts 9:13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have The Lord interrupts Ananias here and prevents heard by many of this man, how much evil he him from going any farther with his reasoning. has done to your saints at Jerusalem: In effect, He dismisses Ananias’ argument and gets him moving. Acts 9:13 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm He is a chosen vessel unto me he did to Thy saints at Jerusalem; [NASB] This is skeuo~ eklogei~ in Greek. The word Saul’s reputation had preceded him. Saul was literally signifies a vessel, but it was used in notorious as a fanatical persecutor of Greek, means any kind of instrument, or the Christians. Ananias had every reason to fear means by which an act is done. So Polybius, approaching Saul, especially in view of the speaking of Damocles, used skeuo~ in this mission Saul was on, to arrest and imprison sentence, “He was a useful instrument, and fit Christians. You can see that Ananias had real for the management of affairs.” Paul, in 1 fear of Saul, because that, even though he knew Thess. 4:4, used the same word for the “body”, that God was speaking to him, he was still as a vessel. fearful of putting himself into the hands of The phrase “chosen vessel” comes from the someone who had been such a violent Hebrew and means a “well-adapted persecutor. instrument.” Whoever studies the life and Here is the first use, chronologically, of the term character of Paul can agree that he was well- “saints” in reference to Christian believers. suited for the great work to which God had The “harm” done to believers in Jerusalem is called him. described in the early verses of Acts 8, in which Keep in mind that God chose Saul long before Saul “dragged men and women” from their Saul chose Christ. The phrase literally “a vessel homes and put them in prison. of election.” When Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, he Acts 9:14 And here he has authority from the said of himself that he was an earthen vessel, chief priests to bind all that call on your name. unworthy of so great a treasure (2 Cor. 4:7). Yet Acts 9:14 and here he has authority from the chief the Lord in eternity past chose the poor things priests to bind all who call upon Thy name. “ of this earth to confound the wise. [NASB] to bear my name … Ananias had also heard about the authority Paul was to carry the emblem of the Cross which Saul had received from the high priest. among the and Romans, as well as to the This information may have been carried from Jews. He was called the Apostle (Teacher) of the Jerusalem by Christians who had escaped there Gentiles in several places in the Bible (1 Tim. and who reached Damascus before Saul did. Or, 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:11; see also Gal. 2:7,8 and Eph. the news may have come in letters from 3:8). He begins immediately to preach Christ Jerusalem. In any case, Ananias was urging this among the Jews, but the Lord moves him as a reason why he should have no connection quickly into his ministry with the Gentiles (Acts with such a dangerous man. 10). Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him, Go your way: Acts 9:16 For I will show him how great things for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my he must suffer for my name's sake. name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the Acts 9:16 for I will show him how much he must children of Israel: suffer for My name’s sake. “ [NASB] he must suffer

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So Saul, instead of proceeding as a prosecutor imagining such, given the joyful results which (and persecutor) of Christians, in the plan of came from Ananias’ visit to Saul. God for his life he will suffer many things in putting his hands on him preaching that very doctrine which he has This is what Saul had seen in his vision, a man hated. As you can see from later in this chapter, coming in and putting his hands on him. There Paul began to preach Christian immediately, in are several reasons that might be offered for Damascus, and immediately began to have his Ananias’ laying hands on Saul. It was customary life threatened for it. in those days to do this as a prayer gesture or 2 Cor. 11:23-28, “Are they ministers of Christ? (I as something that accompanies communication. speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more Or, this might have been a healing gesture, in abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons which case we would suppose that Ananias had more frequent, in deaths oft. the spiritual gift of healing. Or, the laying on of “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. hands might have been that Saul might receive the Holy Spirit. Or, it may have been for all of “Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I these reasons. 14 Barnes says that this was not have been in the deep; “ordination” but could simply have been the “In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils usual modes of imparting blessing. of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in Brother Saul perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils By this time, all suspicion has vanished; among false brethren; Ananias takes Saul to himself as a brother, not “In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, as a brother Jew but as one who is to be a in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and brother in Christ. nakedness. It is worth considering the question here as to “Beside those things that are without, that which exactly when it was that Saul became a cometh upon me daily, the care of all the Christian believer. At what point in time did he churches.” actually place his faith in Christ as Messiah, as The Lord prophesied this to Ananias as a way to Savior? We know that he was very bewildered encourage him that it was safe to approach Saul by the vision on the road and that he received Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and no particular explanation from the Lord at that entered into the house; and putting his hands on time. Then, while staying at Judas’ house he him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that received a vision, but according to this passage appeared unto you in the way as you came, has the vision only contained information about sent me, that you might receive your sight, and Ananias’ coming to him. be filled with the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, in the next verse his blindness Acts 9:17 And Ananias departed and entered the went away, and he was baptized; so that at house, and after laying his hands on him said, sometime he must have professed faith in "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you Christ. on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled the Lord, (even) Jesus with the Holy Spirit.” [NASB] The Greek here is ho kurios Iesous. There is Ananias had no more room to excuse himself! nothing in the Greek to indicate the modifying So he made his way to Judas’s house. Gill says word “even”, and indeed it’s not used in the NASB. that he “quietly yields, and cheerfully obeys.” 13 Well, there’s no mention of cheerfulness in the be filled with the Holy Spirit Greek here, though Gill may be excused for

13 Gill, Acts 9:17 14 Gill, Acts 9:17

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pleisthei~ pneumato~ agiou The special synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God,” 15 enabling which an apostle requires for his and showed unto them that they should repent ministry is given to Saul at this time, and is in and turn to God and do works meet for line with the promise of Jesus in Acts 1:8. repentance. Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his “His Rabbinical and Pharisaic learning was now eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight, used to uphold the cause which he came to and arose, and was baptized. destroy. The Jews were astounded. They knew Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his that he had been at Jerusalem. The knew why eyes something like scales, and he regained his he had come to Damascus. And how they saw sight, and he arose and was baptized; [NASB] him contradicting the whole previous course of From Conybeare and Howson, chapter 4: his life, and utterly discarding that “commission “Ananias came into the house where Saul, faint of the high-priests,” which had been the and exhausted with three days’ abstinence, still authority of his journey. Yet is was evident that remained in darkness. When he laid his hands his conduct was not the result of a wayward on his head, as the vision had foretold, and irregular impulse. His convictions never immediately he would be recognized as the hesitated; his energy grew continually stronger, messenger of God, even before the words were as he strove in the synagogues, maintaining the spoken, “Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that truth against the Jews, and “arguing and appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, proving that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.” hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy (Acts 9:22) sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. “The period of his first teaching at Damascus “These words were followed, as were the words does not seem to have lasted long. Indeed it is of Jesus Himself when He spoke to the blind, evident that his life could not have been safe with an instantaneous dissipation of darkness; had he remained. The fury of the Jews when “There fell from his eyes as it had been scales, they had recovered from their first surprise and he received sight forthwith, or, in his own must have been excited to the utmost pitch, and more vivid expression, “the same hour he they would soon have received a new looked up on the face of Ananias” (Acts 22:13). commission from Jerusalem armed with full It was a face he had never seen before. But the powers to supersede and punish one whom expression of Christian love assured him of they must have regarded as the most faithless reconciliation with God. of apostates. Saul left the city, but not to return to Jerusalem. Conscious of his divine mission, “He learned that “the God of his fathers” had he never felt that it was necessary to consult chosen him “to know His will,” “to see that Just “those who were apostles before him, but he One,” “to hear the voice of His mouth,” to be went into Arabia, and returned again into “His witness unto all men.” (Acts 22:14,15) He Damascus.” (Gal. 1:17)” was baptized, and the “rivers of Damascus’ became more to him that “all the waters of Acts 9:19 And when he had received food, he Judah” (See 2 Kings 5:12) had been. His body was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days was strengthened with food, and his soul was with the disciples which were at Damascus. made strong to “suffer great things” for the Acts 9:19 and he took food and was strengthened. name of Jesus, and to bear that name “before ¶ Now for several days he was with the disciples the Gentiles and kings and the children of who were at Damascus, [NASB] Israel. “He began by proclaiming the honor of that name to the children of Israel in Damascus. He 15 was “not disobedient to the heavenly vision” Acts 9:20, where “Jesus” and not “Christ” is the true reading. Verse 22 would make this probable, if (Acts 26:19), but “straightway preached in the the authority of the MSS were not decisive.

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This verse is a continuation of verse 18 and This is important, because the great question properly belongs in the same paragraph with it. which had to be answered for the Jews was that A Christian church existed in Damascus from Jesus is the Son of God and that He is the these very early times of the Church and for Messiah. The Jews already believed that the many centuries thereafter. Some religious Messiah (Christ) was to be the Son of God. Paul , or more accurately, legends, suppose wanted to convince people that the crucified that Ananias was a pastor or bishop of the Jesus was their Savior, and so he was church in Damascus. However that may have proclaiming Him. Paul’s object was to establish been, there were representatives of the church the identity of Jesus the Nazarene as the of Damascus who attended the Council of Messiah. 17 th Nicaea at the beginning of the 4 Century. In Acts 9:21 But all that heard him were amazed, the fifth century, a bishop of Damascus was in and said; Is not this he that destroyed them the council at ; and later in that century which called on this name in Jerusalem, and it was considered a metropolitan church in came here for that intent, that he might bring Asia. The church there flourished until the late them bound unto the chief priests? 8th century when the Saracens took over the Christian temple in Damascus and dedicated it Acts 9:21 And all those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, "Is this not he who in to Mohammed. Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this It’s not known how long Paul stayed in name, and who had come here for the purpose of Damascus; it was long enough for him to bringing them bound before the chief priests?” receive some training from Ananias and other [NASB] believers, and to begin preaching the Gospel in amazed the synagogues. Some commentators say that ecistemi, in the imp. ind. 3p, “to put out of its he went to Arabia for three years, and returned place, to change or alter utterly,”. The word is to Damascus, before he returned to Jerusalem. also used as a metaphor in Greek as “to drive See the discussion in verse 26 on “Saul in one out of his senses.” These folks were Arabia.” “amazed” to say the least; they were astounded Paul’s great conversion did not imply that he to see Saul, who career as a persecutor of must have had, miraculously, a mature Christians they knew well. knowledge of Christian doctrine. He would have destroyed had to have taken time to be taught many portheisa~, aor. act. ptc. of portheo “to destroy; things, in order to be able to preach to ravage; to plunder.” Used in secular Greek to 16 successfully. describe the devastation of a city during a siege. Acts 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in Gal. 1:13,23, “For you have heard of my way the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. of living in time past in the Jews' religion, Acts 9:20 and immediately he began to proclaim how that beyond measure I persecuted the Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of assembly of God, and ravaged it. God.” [NASB] Gal. 1:21-23, “Afterwards I came into the The Greek of this verse [Westcott and Hort, and regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was many manuscripts, including the Alexandrian, unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea Syriac, and Ethiopic, and the Latin Vulgate] uses which were in Christ: But they had heard the word IESOUS rather than CHRISTOS to refer to only, That he which persecuted us in times the Savior. (Note that the NASB considers this past now preaches the faith which once he to be more likely.) destroyed.”

16 Clarke, Acts 9:20 17 Vincent, Acts 9:20

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which called on this name in Jerusalem Acts 9:23 ¶ And when many days had elapsed, the [See comment in 9:2 on the use of “this Way”.] Jews plotted together to do away with him, and came here for that intent, that he might after many days bring them bound unto the chief priests? It is at this point in the narrative that there is some difference of opinion among Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in commentators as to the timing of events. We strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt learn from 1:16-18 that Saul went at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. from Damascus to “Arabia” and returned again Acts 9:22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and to Damascus. Robertson believes that Saul’s trip confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by to Arabia took place between Acts 9:22 and proving that this Jesus is the Christ. [NASB] 9:23, so that the “many days”, which is a Saul was gaining physical and spiritual reference to an indefinite but lengthy period of strength. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and time, is the same period as the “three years” he was absorbing Christian doctrine like a which the Apostle speaks of in Galatians. That sponge. Furthermore, his vast knowledge of the is, Saul, after his conversion, spent a short time Old Testament enabled him to correlate very in Damascus, took a trip to Arabia, returned to rapidly all of the legitimate Jewish teaching Damascus, was threatened by the Jews there, with Christian Bible doctrine. Saul’s life is a escaped by the basket over the wall, and went great testimony of God the Father’s ability to to Jerusalem. take a willing and open intellect and make great use of it. We don’t know how much time he spent in Arabia, but the whole period of all of these confounded activities was three years, or at least parts of Imperfect passive indicative of suneceoo , “to three years. pour together; to co-mingle; to make This phrase “many days” is used in the confusion.” The more Saul preached, the more Septuagint on Exodus 2:11 and 23 and 4:18, to the Jews were confused. refer to a considerable length of time. 1 Kings proving 1:18 states “and it came to pass after many This is a verb (sunbibazoo) which means “to days, that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in make to go together; to coalesce; to knit the third year.” together.” Here Saul took various facts about We don’t know what Saul did in Arabia; he Jesus’ life, ministry, and deity and found in probably preached Christ in various them the proof that He was really the Messiah. synagogues, but we don’t know with what This is a method of argument that Paul results. 18 Luke is certainly silent about it, and continued to use with the Jews. any assertion you might read about is, at this :1-4, “Now when they had passed through historical distance, would be speculative, at the and , they came to least. Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: took counsel to kill him “And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of “took counsel” is the aor. mid, ind. of the scriptures, sunbouleuo , which means “counselling “Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have together.” This had reached a , and the suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that situation in Damascus seems much worse for this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. Saul than when he left. The Lord’s prophecy “And some of them believed, and consorted with that he would suffer many things was about to Paul and ; and of the devout Greeks a great see some of it’s fulfillment. The Jews meant to multitude, and of the chief women not a few.” Acts 9:23 And after many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 18 Clarke, Acts 9:23

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do away with him.They were filled with Aretas, taking advantage of the complications indignation at the things he preached, and were created by the death of the Emperor just as enraged as were those who “gnashed (A.D. 37), took possession of Damascus (2 Cor. their teeth” at Stephen and stones him to death. 11:32; compare Acts 9:25). This was about the They not only “took counsel” but they made time that Paul returned to Damascus from every attempt to carry out the murder. Arabia. Acts 9:24 But their laying await was known of Acts 9:25 Then the disciples took him by night, Saul. And they watched the gates day and night and let him down by the wall in a basket. to kill him. Acts 9:25 but his disciples took him by night, and Acts 9:24 but their plot became known to Saul. let him down through an opening in the wall, And they were also watching the gates day and lowering him in a large basket. [NASB] night so that they might put him to death; [NASB] took him by night their laying await Saul was threatened with death and needed to Actually, as the NASB states, “their plot” in the escape as quickly as possible. His Christian correct reading. The Greek is epibouln , from epi acquaintances arranged to help him; they , “against”, and bouln , “a plot”, hence “their plot would have been arrested by the Jewish police against” Saul. if they were caught helping him. In fact, the plotters had the active cooperation let him down of the King of Syria, Aretas, whose high official, “Let down” is calao “to let loose; to lower.” Used the “governor” or Ethnarch, was one of those in the nautical sense, to “lower” the anchor who “kept guard”, watching for Saul. (:17), or to “lower” boats (Acts 27:30). 2 Cor. 11:32,33, “In Damascus the governor under Saul escaped, in somewhat the same way the Aretas the king kept the city of the damascenes spies in escaped, who were helped by with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: Rahab to get out of Jericho (Josh. 2:15 ff). And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall by the wall, and escaped his hands. Actually, tou teicou~,“through the wall”, or Possibly the Jews obtained the consent of the “through a window in the wall”. Paul describes Ethnarch and had him appoint some of the scene in 2 Cor. 11:33, where he uses the themselves as guards at the gates of the city. words dia thurido~ , “through the window”. But Saul got knowledge of this plot from some Some people had homes built into the walls of source and was able to make his escape. cities; so Paul may have been hidden in such a ARETAS 19 home of a Christian believer. Aretas was king of Arabia-Petraea, with his in a basket capital at Petra; his daughter was married to sfuridi – common for “basket.” But Paul uses a . different, and uncommon, word in 2 Cor 11:33, His daughter returned to him when her sarganei , which means “something braided” husband committed adultery with , the such as a basket or cargo hoist braided from wife of Herod-Philip, Aretas’ half-brother (Luke ropes. Think of one of those nets which are 3:19-20; Mark 6:17; Matt. 14:3). This led to a used to load and unload ships; they are filled war between Aretas and Herod Antipas, and with boxes and crates and hoisted onto the Herod's army was completely destroyed (A.D. ship. (However, sarganei is used only twice in 36). Greek, so there’s not much to go on for the translation.) Acts 9:26 And when Saul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples: but they 19 Bible Encyclopedia at www.christiananswers.net.

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were all afraid of him, and did not believe that life, and the evidence seemed to be against him. he was a disciple. 21 Acts 9:26 ¶ And when he had come to Jerusalem, We don’t know how Barnabas heard of Saul’s he was trying to associate with the disciples; and conversion and ministry. We can suppose that they were all afraid of him, not believing that he he had somehow got information from was a disciple. [NASB] Damascus that Saul had been saved and was when Saul came to Jerusalem preaching Christ there; it’s likely that the Rather, “when he had come to Jerusalem”, situation would have been very sensational because in paragenovmeno~ de ei~ Ierousalevm among believers. However it was, Barnabas , the verb is an aorist participle, and translated used his great influence to convince the in the NASB correctly as a past participle. apostles, and Peter in particular, and James, he tried to join himself to the disciples that Saul’s claims were genuine. Saul wanted to associate himself with the and declared unto them … Jerusalem Christians. He was eager to have Barnabas told the apostles, and other fellowship with them and to continue his Christians, Saul’s complete story, from the time ministry. Also, he was probably seeking safety of his first seeing Christ on the way to with the Christians, since he was undoubtedly Damascus. Saul was Peter’s guest for two being sought by Jewish authorities. But … weeks, they had great fellowship. they were all afraid of him, and did not believe Gal. 1:18,19, “Then after three years I went up to that he was a disciple. Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen There were reasons to be cautious, and days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save skeptical. The Jewish Christians were under James the Lord's brother. severe persecution from the Jewish leadership. Bible references to Barnabas: :36; 9:27; Also, they may easily have thought that Saul 11:22, 25,30; 12:25; 13:1, 2, 7, 43, 46, 50; 14: would fake a conversion to Christianity in order 12, 14, 20; 15:2, 12, 22, 25, 35, 36, 37, 39; 1 Cor. to infiltrate their community. It is not unnatural 9:6; Gal. 2:1, 9, 13; Col. 4:10. to have such doubts, especially since he had Acts 9:28 And he was with them coming in and been gone from Jerusalem for up to three years. going out at Jerusalem. 20 Acts 9:28 And he was with them moving about Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. [NASB] him to the apostles, and declared unto them Barnabas, Peter, and James opened all the how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that doors for Saul; so Saul was received into full he had spoken to him, and how he had preached fellowship with the Christians of Jerusalem and boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. participated fully with them in their witnessing Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took hold of him and and teaching. brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He Acts 9:29 And he spoke boldly in the name of had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. [NASB] Grecians: but they went about to slay him. But Barnabas took him Acts 9:29 And he was talking and arguing with the Barnabas saw the situation and took Saul under Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put his wing. This shows a lot of insight, and not a him to death. [NASB] little courage; this was a crucial time in Saul’s Grecians

20 Barnes, Acts 9:26 21 Robertson

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The word “Greece” is from the Latin Graeci, the A Hebrew was a Jew who spoke Hebrew and name given to them by the Romans, who retained Hebrew customs, following the ancient applied to the whole people the name of the religion closely. first tribe the Romans came across, the Graioi, a The Hebrews whose families had come from Boeotian tribe that took part in the colonization Aram were called Arameans. This word refers of in . to Aram, or Padan-Aram, the district of The various Greek city-states referred to surrounding the city of Haran, themselves by the name Hellenes; they called and the territory included the city of Damascus. their country Hellas, and their language the Aram was the 5th son of Shem, Noah’s oldest Hellenic language [ ei ‘elleiniki glossa]. Even son; Haran was the son of Terah and today, the Greeks use these names, and the Abraham’s brother; he was the father of Lot. official name for Greece is “The Hellenic The Jews from these areas spoke Republic” [ELLINIKI DIMOKRATIA]. A Greek (Assyrian), as did the Palestinian Jews of the person, then, is a Hellene. time of Christ. Parts of the Old Testament were (NAS: Hellenists) from ‘Ellenisto~ The Revised written in Aramaic, and Jesus spoke Aramaic. Version of Acts 6:1 says “Grecian Jews,” because Note: King Ahab fought against Ben-Hadad, “Grecians,” in English, might be thought to king of Aram, whose capital was Damascus. mean Gentile Greeks. In the NASB, “Hellenists” The distinction between a Hebrew and a means Jews. Hellenist was a distinction within the Jewish The word Hellenist refers to a Jew, not a Greek, nation, not between the Jews and other nations. who comes from outside Palestine, from such Paul calls himself a “Hebrew of Hebrews,” that areas of Greek influence like Alexandria or is, a Hebrew and of Hebrew parents, speaking Cyrenia (coast of ). The contact of Jews Hebrew and following Hebrew customs. with Greeks first began when Alexander In this verse, both the Hebrews and the forcibly settled 8,000 Jews in Egypt, in the Nile Hellenists are Jews and are Christian believers, delta, where they formed a large part of his new but there is still the line of cleavage between city, Alexandria. From Egypt the Jews gradually the two groups, which had the potential for spread along the whole North African coast. conflict. Jews were also removed by Seleucus Nicantor, Paul relates, in Acts 22:17,18, that the Lord from to Antioch and , and appeared to him in the Temple and told him to under various persecutions of Antiochus leave Jerusalem. Epiphanes and other Greek rulers, scattered themselves through Asia Minor, Greece, Acts 22:17,18, “And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed Macedonia, and the Greek islands of the in the temple, I was in a trance; Aegean. “And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get The majority adopted the Greek language, and thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not many forgot the Aramaic dialect which had receive thy testimony concerning me.” been the Jews’ language since their captivity. Acts 9:30 Which when the brethren knew, they A Hellenizer was a Jew who followed Greek brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him philosophy and culture instead of the Jewish forth to Tarsus. religion and practices. Acts 9:30 But when the brethren learned of it, they Hebrews brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus. [NASB] Any man was a Jew [ioudiao~] who could trace The Christians saw clearly what the danger his descent from Jacob. The word “Jew” is a was, so they quickly “conducted” ( “to racial identity. katago lead down; to conduct away”).

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We can only guess what Saul’s parents, much in strength and courage that they could relatives, and acquaintances in Tarsus had to face terrible persecutions. say when they heard that he had become a This is a continuous message with Paul. Christian. Were there great recriminations Ephesians 1 from his Pharisee father? Was he counted as dead by his family, as are many converted Jews Ephesians 3 today? Luke is silent about this; and there’s no 1 Corinthians 14 other source of information about this brief Also, Peter makes great emphasis of edification. phase of Saul’s life. 1 Peter 2:5, “You also, as living stones, are built Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and God through Jesus Christ.” in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, were walking in the fear of the Lord multiplied. This is the concept of Occupation with Christ, Acts 9:31 ¶ So the church throughout all Judea and which is the central idea in the study of the Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; doctrine of the Christian’s walk with the Lord. and, going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase. and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit [NASB] They were walking in the consolation which the the churches Holy Spirit, the Comforter, produced. The singular “church”, which we see in the John 14:16-18, “And I will pray the Father, and he NASB, is the true reading here, since all the shall give you another Comforter, that he may important manuscripts have it that way. There abide with you for ever; were, of course, many churches throughout the “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot region, but all the believers are members of the receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth body of Christ, or may be considered as part of him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. a single community of believers. “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to had rest you.” “peace”. They kept on having peace, because Romans 5:1-5, “Therefore being justified by faith, the persecution had become much less severe. we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Many of the disciples came back to the city in Christ: “By whom also we have access by faith into this these days, and the apostles and others grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the increased their preaching tours out of the city. glory of God. and were edified “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: This is the most important result of all of the knowing that tribulation worketh patience; efforts of preaching and teaching that was “And patience, experience; and experience, hope: being done by apostles and other disciples of “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love Christ, save only for the winning of new souls to of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Christ. were multiplied “Were edified”, which is the present passive participle of “to build.” This concept of the “to multiple; to increase”. Barnes says, “No building up of believers in the faith was to wonder that the Church of God increased, when become one of the keynotes of the Apostle such lights as these shone among men. This is a Paul’s ministry. It is very important, at a place short, but full and forcible description of the like this in the study of Acts, to study the doctrine of Edification very carefully, so that it is clear how Christians in those days grew so

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righteousness, purity, and happiness of the Between the First and Second Jewish Wars the primitive Church.” 22 town flourished. It had a large market, raised cattle and ran textile, dyeing and pottery Acts 9:32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed industries. It was a seat of the Sanhedrin, and throughout all quarters, he came down also to its scholars included Akiba and Eliezer ben the saints which dwelt at Lydda. Hyrcanus. It also had a Christian community at Acts 9:32 ¶ Now it came about that as Peter was the time of Peter (Acts 9:32-35). In the year 200 traveling through all those parts, he came down Septimus Severus, the Roman emperor, also to the saints who lived at Lydda. [NASB] established a Roman city there. Still partly Peter passed through all quarters Jewish, it took part in the revolt against the Peter was making a tour of the churches in emperor Gallus in 351 and was punished when Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. His ministry was to this failed. plant churches, visit existing churches, ordain The Christians in Lydda may have heard the pastors, preach the gospel, and teach Christian Gospel from Philip. Recall from 8:40 that he doctrine. passed from Azotus to Caesarea, and Lydda was Lydda on that road. Lydda is a town of the tribe of Ephraim, in the Acts 9:33 And there he found a certain man coastal plain of Israel, 10 miles southeast of Tel named , who had kept his bed eight Aviv. It is first recorded in Thutmose III's list of years, and was sick of the palsy. towns of Canaan (1465 BC). Acts 9:33 And there he found a certain man named The Talmud says “the country of Judea is Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for divided into three parts: the hill country, the he was paralyzed. [NASB] plain, and the valley. The hill country was from The name Aeneas is an old Greek name; Aeneas Beth-horon to Emmaus; the plain was from the Trojan was the subject of Vergil’s Aeneid. Emmaus to Lydda; and the valley was from Aeneas might have been a Hellenistic Jew, or he Lydda to the sea.” 23 could have actually been a Gentile. He was According to the Bible Lydda (Lod) was apparently a Christian disciple already, since founded by Shemed, a Benjaminite (I Chronicles Peter is said, in verse 32, to be visiting the 8:12). In the Lydda was “saints”. He had been confined to his bed for outside the boundaries of Judea. In 145 BC. it eight years. was detached from Samaria and given by Sick of the palsy is paraluo in the perf. pass. II to Jonathan the Hasmonean. participle, “was paralyzed”. In Maccabean times it was a purely Jewish Acts 9:34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, town, and later Julius Caesar is reported to have Jesus Christ makes you whole: arise, and make restored the privileges of its Jews, taken away your bed. And he arose immediately. by the Greeks. In 43 AD Cassius, the governor of Acts 9:34 And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Syria, sold its inhabitants into slavery. The Christ heals you; arise, and make your bed." And Roman proconsul of Syria, Cestius Gallus, immediately he arose. [NASB] burned Lydda on his way to Jerusalem in 66 AD. Jesus Christ makes you whole Captured by John the Essene at the beginning of “Jesus Christ heals you.” , pres. mid. ind. of the first Jewish war (66--70), it was occupied iavomai “to heal”. by Vespasian in 68 AD. arise, make your bed. And he arose immediately In this case Peter did not help Aeneas arise, but 22 Barnes on Acts 9:31. he got up under his own power. Since he was at home, Aeneas did not have to pick up his bed 23 Gill on Acts 9:32

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and walk; he spread his bed for himself, is called : this woman was full of good something that others had done for him for works and almsdeeds which she did. many years. This was a full demonstration that Acts 9:36 ¶ Now in Joppa there was a certain he was perfectly whole. 24 Compare :16, disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek where, when the Lord healed the man, Peter is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with actually lifted him up from the ground. deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did. [NASB] Acts 9:35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron Joppa saw him, and turned to the Lord. “This was a seaport town situated on the Acts 9:35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon Mediterranean, in the tribe of Dan, about 30 saw him, and they turned to the Lord. [NASB] miles south of Caesarea, and 45 miles Once again we observe that many people were northwest of Jerusalem. It was probably the witnesses to a divine healing and were led to same town that was called Japho in the Old consider the claims of Christ because of the Testament (Joshua 19:46) which belonged to miracle, just as was the case in the Temple the tribe of Dan. (Acts 3). Joppa was the principal seaport of Palestine; Saron and hence, though the harbor was poor, it had The region in which the town of Lydda is considerable celebrity. It was occupied by located. It was the area of plains that lay Solomon to receive the timber brought for the between Joppa and Lydda. building of the temple from Tyre (2 Chronicles The word “Sharon” (sometimes spelled Saron) 2:16), and was used for a similar purpose in the means a level place or plain. The Bible uses the time of Ezra, Ezra 3:7. The present name of the term to describe one of the largest valley plains town is . It is situated on a promontory in all of Palestine. The term is found in jutting out into the sea, rising to the height of numerous verses, including Acts 9:35, 1 about 150 feet above its level, and offering on Chronicles 5:16, and 1 Chronicles 27:29. If you all sides picturesque and varied prospects.” 25 were to examine a map of Palestine, you could Tabitha – Dorcas locate this valley by finding the city of Joppa on the coast of the . Joppa, and Tabitha is a Hebrew, or more probably, Syriac, the Aijalon section to its southwest, were the name which means “gazelle” or “antelope” or approximate southern borders of the valley. It “roe”. The Greek name is dorka~ , with the extended west from the Mediterranean Sea for same meaning. It was customary to give girl about 10-15 miles, and north for about 30 babies the names of beautiful animals, and miles. Topographical maps distinctly show this comparing a woman’s beautiful eyes to those of region to be a low valley bordered by higher an antelope (or roe) is common in the writings mountains. of Arabian and Persian poets, as well as being found in Song of Solomon 2:9,17; 4:5; 7:3. From all indications, the Sharon valley was a wild, fertile plain that was the home to a host of Dorcas was a Christian woman who spent her beautiful flowers. Isaiah 35:2 lists Sharon in a life performing deeds of kindness and charity, context discussing blooming vegetation, and as a service for the Lord to others. describes the valley as “excellent” (NKJV). Acts 9:37 And it came to pass in those days, that Sharon was renowned for its majesty and she was sick, and died: and when they had beauty. washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain Acts 9:37 And it came about at that time that she disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. [NASB]

24 Gill on Acts 9:34 25 Barnes, Acts 9:36

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In those days refers to the time Peter was and garments she made for the poor were given ministering in Lydda, which was six or eight as gifts of love to those who were the most miles from Joppa. Dorcas became very ill with needy. In fact, in some Bible versions, notably some disorder and died of it. That she was the Latin Vulgate, the Arabic, and the Ethiopian, really dead, and not just in a faint, is proved by state “showing the coats and garments which the fact that the people had to deal with her Dorcas made for them, while she was alive”. The body in the customary way, by washing the widows were extremely grieved to lose such a corpse and laying it in an upper room in close friend, and they wept as they recalled her preparation for burial. kindness and grace-filled life. Acts 9:38 And because Lydda was near to Joppa, Acts 9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the they sent unto him two men, desiring him that body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her he would not delay to come to them. eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Acts 9:38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, the Acts 9:40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, two men to him, entreating him, "Do not delay to "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and come to us.” [NASB] when she saw Peter, she sat up. [NASB} Peter, the two men, and anyone who came Peter wanted to pray without distraction. along with Peter from Lydda to Joppa, would During his prayer he must have received have had only a three or four-hour walk to get assurance from God that she would be raised to Joppa. from the dead at his word. Recall from Luke There is nothing to show why the people of 8:54, where the Lord Jesus “put them all Joppa sent for Peter. There is no evidence that outside” when He raised Jairus’ daughter from they expected him to heal Dorcas, although it’s the dead. possible that they had heard of Aeneas’s healing When Peter spoke, God brought Dorcas to life, and wondered if Peter could help. But as yet, and she sat up on the bed where she had been the apostles had not raised anyone from the lying. dead, so it’s not likely they would have Acts 9:41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted expected that. However, it was very much a her up, and when he had called the saints and part of Peter’s ministry to comfort people who widows, presented her alive. were in distress; and here a whole community Acts 9:41 And he gave her his hand and raised her of people loved and appreciated Dorcas, so it up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented was natural for him to want to serve them as a her alive. [NASB] comforter. Peter lifted her up, off the bed or board where Acts 9:39 Then Peter arose and went with them. she had been lying. It seems that Peter then When he was come, they brought him into the called all the people back into the room, rather upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him than going outside with Dorcas at that time, in weeping, and showing the coats and garments order to show them that she was alive. It was a which Dorcas made, while she was with them. great joy and blessing to all of the believers to Acts 9:39 And Peter arose and went with them. see such a great miracle performed. And when he had come, they brought him into the Acts 9:42 And it was known throughout all upper room; and all the widows stood beside him Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. weeping, and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. Acts 9:42 And it became known all over Joppa, [NASB] and many believed in the Lord. [NASB] The widows mentioned here would likely have A town like Joppa would have been an extended been some of the key benefactors of Dorcas’ community, with people living in the generous ministry while she lived. The coats countryside and in small hamlets and enclaves

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round about, which may also have gone by the Roman Army Soldier Training name Joppa. The news of the miracle spread 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called rapidly and brought many people to Christ as Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the they heard the Gospel preached. Italian band, Acts 9:43 And he tarried many days in Joppa 10:1 Now there was a certain man at Caesarea with one Simon a tanner. named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called Acts 9:43 And it came about that he stayed many the Italian cohort, days in Joppa with a certain tanner, Simon. We are at the most important turning point in [NASB] the growth and development of the body of So, Peter stayed in Joppa for quite a while and Christ. The apostolic church is now to be spent his time in Christian fellowship, introduced to the extraordinary, (and to them, preaching, baptizing new believers, and outrageous) concept that Gentiles are to be teaching Christian life principles. recipients of salvation, the Holy Spirit, and all of It’s interesting that he stayed with a man who the special privileges of a relationship with God was a tanner. The Jews considered the which the Jews had long thought were their occupation of tanner to be unclean, and avoided own. those who worked as tanners, because the Acts 11:19-21, Now they which were scattered tanner was continually in contact with dead abroad upon the persecution that arose about animals and their skins. One of the rabbis said Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, “It is impossible for the world to do without and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 26 tanners, but woe to him who is a tanner.” A And some of them were men of Cyprus and Jewish woman was allowed to sue for divorce if Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, her husband became a tanner. spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD It is also remarkable that Peter, who shows Jesus. himself so grace filled and non-legalistic here, And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a should in a very short time, on the roof of great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Simon the Tanner’s home, have scruples about Even when Paul and Barnabas were sent out eating food considered unclean. from Antioch on their first missionary journey, Furneaux says, “The lodging with the tanner we see over and over again that, when they was a step on the road to eating with a Gentile.” arrived in a new town, their preaching was to Jews, in synagogues. As they traveled farther ACTS 10 afield, they came into more and more contact with Greek and Roman people, and after some ACTS 10 TOPICAL STUDIES time, we see the apostles fully engaged in Barrier, The preaching to non-Jews. Caesarea Palestine Caesarea Cornelius Godliness This city is Caesarea Straton, formerly known Jewish Attitudes toward Gentiles in the 1st as Strato’s Tower. It is distinguished from Century Caesarea . Caesarea Straton was the Propitiation headquarters of the Roman procurator and the Proselytes command center for the Roman army in Judea. Reconciliation Cornelius Redemption Cornelius had, at least, a distinguished Latin Resurrection name. One of the great families in Rome was the Cornelian family, and since it was customary for men from noble families to serve in the arny, it 26 Robertson, Acts 9:43

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is not far-fetched to imagine that this Cornelius called a cohort, a regiment-sized unit of 400 to was of that extended family. 600 men. So, Cornelius was one of perhaps six Some commentators believe that Cornelius was centurions who were century-leaders in the a Jewish proselyte, a “proselyte of the gate”, Italian cohort. who observed some of the Jewish ceremonies Cornelius’ cohort was probably in the Tenth but was not circumcised and was not called a , which was an Italian legion. Historians Jew. However, taking all the passages in Acts have established that X Appollinaris was in together shows that the apostles and disciples Judea during this time period. In fact, the 5th, regarded him as a Gentile. 10th, and 15th legions were stationed in Judea, In Acts 10 later, Peter evidently regards and the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 12th legions were in Cornelius as a foreigner. He would not regard a Syria. proselyte as being fundamentally “unclean”. This cohort was probably composed of soldiers Acts 10:28, “He said to them, “You yourselves from Italy, and the name distinguishes them know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is from soldiers who were born in the provinces. a Jew to join himself or come to one of another Roman soldiers came from all parts of the nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn't call world, so this cohort wanted to claim pre- any man unholy or unclean.” eminence over those who were born in other Further, Acts 11 shows that the apostles heard places. More important, the Roman procurator that the Word of God was given to “Gentiles”, would have wanted a unit of men close to him indicating further that Cornelius was Gentile. who were fellow-Italians he could trust. Acts 11:1-3, “Now the apostles and the brothers Italian cohorts were sent to many parts of the who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also empire, wherever they were needed for special received the word of God. [2] When Peter had duty. On the Danube river frontier, at the come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the Roman colony of Carnuntum, there was found circumcision contended with him, [3] saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men, and ate with them!” an inscription of an epitaph of an officer in the 2nd Italian Cohort. Acts 10:45 is definitive, however, in demonstrating that the people who come to In the years after the destruction of Jerusalem Christ in this chapter are Gentiles. in 70 AD, 800 discharged veterans were settled in Emmaus. Vespasian ordered Jewish Acts 10:45, “And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with donations sent to the Roman temple of Jupiter Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured Capitolium, which was built on the site of the out the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Temple. centurion It’s important to note that almost all Jewish A centurion was one who commanded a Christians had escaped the Roman destruction company-sized unit in the Roman army. The of the Jewish land by escaping to lands east of Greek word is ejkatontavrch~ that is “ruler of the Jordan river, having understood the 100”. The name in Greek, Latin, and English prophecies and warnings about the destruction means a “leader of 100 men.” which took place. Italian band 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the Cornelius was an officer in a . A Roman legion consisted of about 6,000 troops, people, and prayed to God always. and it was divided into ten cohorts of 600 10:2 a devout man, and one who feared God with soldiers each. all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people, and prayed to God continually. The word “band” in Greek is which speirh~, devout means literally “something that is wrapped around”. It refers to a military organization This is an old Greek word eujsebei~ from eu (well) and sebomai (to worship), hence “to

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worship well”. In this verse, the word is joined 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth with “one that feared God”, so that Cornelius’ hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to devotion is centered on Jehovah. him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. Acts 10:22, “And they said, Cornelius the 10:3 About the ninth hour of the day he clearly centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come and of good report among all the nation of the in to him, and said to him, “Cornelius!” Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to This “vision” was not a dream, because send for thee into his house, and to hear words of Cornelius was awake, and it was clear day. The thee” angel of God actually appeared to him visibly. This is Luke’s usual term for Gentiles who are seeking after God. In Acts 10:10, Peter was sleeping or in a “trance” state and saw in his mind a vision or Cornelius was a man who, from an internal dream; so we distinguish here between a dream principle, worshipped God externally. 27 and an actual appearance by an angel. with all his house The “ninth hour” was three o’clock in the His “house” would have included his family and afternoon, the usual hour of evening worship at least immediate servants. He brought up his among the Jews. household in a religious way, which was angel of God remarkable in a Gentile and a soldier. This angel was sent to Cornelius to tell him that alms his devotion was accepted by God as evidence The word “alms” is ejlehmwsuvnh in Greek. It of his faith and that he was to send for Peter so from a general class of Greek words based on that he could receive detailed instruction in the noun ejleo~, or “mercy.” In the New Christian doctrine. Testament this word is found only in the sense These are the preparatory arrangements by of benevolent activity. It is also related to which God was preparing the Jewish apostles to ejlehmwn, “sympathetic; merciful”. This carry the Gospel to the Gentiles. vocabulary is fairly frequent in the Septuagint, 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, usually referring to a characteristic of God. In and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Heb. 2:17 Christ is said to be merciful. Your prayers and your alms are come up for a It is presupposed in Matt. 6 and Acts 10 that memorial before God. almsgiving is a regular part of their religious 10:4 And fixing his gaze upon him and being exercise, along with prayer and fasting. It is also much alarmed, he said, “What is it, Lord?” And he a Christian exercise, under the general concept said to him, “Your prayers and alms have ascended of grace giving, so that in Acts 9:36 Tabitha as a memorial before God. (Dorcas) is praised for good works and when he looked on him almsgiving, like Cornelius who, here in Acts Literally, “when he fastened his eyes on him.” 10:2, is mentioned as a giver of alms as part of After he got over the initial shock of the his piety. messenger’s sudden appearance, he was able to See Matt. 6:2-4; Luke 11:41; 12:33; Acts 9:36; focus on him. 10:2,4,31; 24:17 he was afraid and prayed to God always emfobo~ - “in dread; afraid; terrified” Charity to the poor and prayer, in addition to Sophocles, “dread”. This was a sudden and fasting, were the main indications of personal unexpected appearance of a “man” in his devotion among the Jews. Cornelius was in the private rooms. In Acts 10:30, Cornelius regular habit of prayer. described the angel as a “man in bright clothing.” He was astonished with the man’s 27 Gill, Acts 10:2

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unusual appearance, and by the fact that he “Call for” is metapempw in the aorist appeared so suddenly. imperative. It means “to send for; to fetch”. Acts 24:25, “And as he reasoned of righteousness, We should note here that the angel is not going temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled to communicate the Gospel, or Bible doctrine, (“was terrified”, emfobo~), and answered, Go to Cornelius; but it will be Simon Peter. It is thy way for this time; when I have a convenient men who are employed in the ministry of the season, I will call for thee.” Word of God, which is the ordinary means of and said, What is it, Lord? communicating spiritual knowledge. Cornelius recognized immediately that the 10:6 He lodges with one Simon a tanner, whose messenger had been sent from God. house is by the sea : he will tell you what a memorial before God you ought to do. Of , Jesus said: 10:6 he is staying with a certain tanner named Matt. 26:13, “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever Simon, whose house is by the sea. “ this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, Peter is being entertained at Simon’s house as a there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be guest. Note that, later on, Peter would himself told for a memorial of her.” extend hospitality to the men who came from Cornelius’ devotion, his alms and prayers, are Caesarea, a clear case of “mi casa es su casa”. evidence of his love of God. This shows that the strictness of the Jewish law This language is borrowed from the sacrificial was gradually losing its hold on Peter, since the system of the Jews; pious prayers are said to tanner’s occupation was regarded as unclean by ascend to God, as the smoke and flame of the strict Jews, and tanners were commanded to burnt-offering appeared to ascend to heaven dwell apart. (Lev. 2:16). 28 Farrar says, “If a tanner married without Lev. 2:14-16, “And if thou offer a meat offering of mentioning his trade, his wife could get a thy firstfruits unto the LORD, thou shalt offer for divorce. And the law of levirate marriage might the meat offering of thy firstfruits green ears of be set aside of the brother-in-law of the corn dried by the fire, even corn beaten out of full childless widow was a tanner. A tanner’s yard ears. must be at least fifty cubits (75 feet) from any 15 And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay town.” 29 frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering. 16 And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part Tanneries were often built at the oceanside, or of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil otherwise near water, because a lot of water thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an was required in the work of tanning hides. Also, offering made by fire unto the LORD. there would have been a large amount of 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for animal parts and other waste material to get rid one Simon, whose surname is Peter: of, and the sea was used as a place to dump the 10:5 “And now dispatch some men to Joppa, and animal parts and other waste. There are send for a man named Simon, who is also called tanneries by the seashore in Palestine and Peter; Lebanon today. The messenger was able to give directions to 10:7 And when the angel which spoke unto Cornelius, without further explanation. This Cornelius was departed, he called two of his was to Cornelius, a man who was used to giving household servants, and a devout soldier of orders himself, but who recognized authority in them that waited on him continually; this man. call for one Simon

29 F. W. Farrar, “Life and Works of St. Paul”, Cassells, 28 Clarke, Acts 10:4 1989.

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10:7 And when the angel who was speaking to which is the sixth hour. A Roman soldier would him had departed, he summoned two of his be used to marching 30 miles per day with full servants and a devout soldier of those who were in equipment; but this solder had the two civilians constant attendance upon him, with him, who were probably not in as good when the angel was departed condition. But even at three miles per hour, The messenger angel left immediately. It was they would have had to leave Caesarea at not his job to teach Cornelius, that was left to midnight or soon after. human agency, Peter the apostle. The “housetop” was a typical rooftop of homes Cornelius called two of his “civilian” servants, in those days, enclosed and probably having and one of his soldiers, to carry the message to small trees or vines to provide shade. Joppa. Robertson says that a rooftop was a good place a devout soldier of them … for meditation, prayer, and naps! 30 This is an indication that Cornelius was still on 10:10 And he became very hungry, and would active duty in the Roman army. It he were have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell retired, he would not have had soldiers as into a trance, aides. 10:10 And he became hungry, and was desiring to At least one of his soldiers was a believer eat; but while they were making preparations, he (stratiwvnthn eujsebh), and the soldiers were fell into a trance; Gentiles. So the household was made up of: It was noon, and it was the custom not to eat Cornelius and his family, servants, and soldiers, before prayer time. Since there was a prayer probably all Gentiles. time at the third hour (9:00 a.m.) and the sixth 10:8 And when he had declared all these things hour (noon), quite often a man had no real meal unto them, he sent them to Joppa. until the afternoon. But Peter’s meal is interrupted. 10:8 and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. he fell into a trance and when he had declared all these things Literally, “an ecstasy came upon him.” (ejgeneto ep’auton ejkstasi~). He was filled with “Declared” is ejxhghsavmeno~ , which means a wonder and an astonishment. Barnes “rehearsed”, that is, “communicated so that describes it as “a state of mind when the there is good understanding on the part of the attention is so absorbed in a train of thought, listener.” Cornelius made sure that the three that the external senses are partially or entirely men understood the full content of the message suspended.” This was a state of such mental to Peter. concentration, daydreaming is an example, that Note that Jonah was sent from Joppa to preach one is not aware of outside things. to Gentiles at Nineveh, and Peter was sent from The Lord brought this mental state upon Peter Joppa to preach to Gentiles at Caesarea. in order to be able to communicate something 10:9 On the morrow, as they went on their special to him. journey, and drew near the city, Peter went up The same word is used in Mark 5:42. on the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: Mark 5:41, 42, “And he took the damsel by the 10:9 And on the next day, as they were on their hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, way, and approaching the city, Peter went up on being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for On the morrow she was of the age of twelve years. And they were It’s about 35 miles (Clarke says 12 to 15 astonished with a great astonishment.” leagues) from Caesarea to Joppa, so the men (ejxevsthsan eujquv~ ejxtavsei). would have had to leave early in the morning. They were drawing near the city about noon, 30 Robertson, Acts 10:9

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10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain 10:13 And a voice came to him, “Arise, Peter, kill vessel descending unto him, as it were a great and eat!” sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to Peter was probably on his knees praying, so the the earth: Lord told him to rise. He is told to select from 10:11 and he beheld the sky opened up, and a all these animals, clean and unclean, and “kill certain object like a great sheet coming down, and eat.” This command is a key milestone in lowered by four corners to the ground, making it clear to Jewish believers that the And saw heaven opened Gentiles world must be reached with the Peter saw this in a visionary way, not in a literal Gospel. way as at, say, the baptism of Christ or the The word “kill” is quw which means “to offer in stoning of Stephen. This language is derived sacrifice; to offer as part of a meal to the gods.” from a common usage in the Hebrew scriptures, After animals were killed for the burnt offering, as if the sky above us was a solid, vast expanse, and the offering made to God, the meat was but opened to us to allow something to made available to the whole priesthood for descend. 31 their meals. Here, God is commanding Peter to offer any of these animals in sacrifice, even the as it were unclean ones, then to eat. It is important to know that in this expression Remember that this vision is appearing in Luke is not saying that Peter saw a literal object Peter’s mind. There is no idea here of actual descending, but that what he visualized was like animals appearing or that Peter will actually a vessel, or a sheet, represented to him as such. kill an animal and cook the flesh. This is a a great sheet let down to the earth symbolic representation which has a direct This is an old Greek word for linen cloth. The application, that the Gentiles, whom the Jews corners were tied, as if with a rope, so that the consider to be unclean, are an equal part of full sheet would form into a sort of sack.. One God’s plan for Christianity. commentator thinks that this is like a ship’s sail, 10:14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have tied by ropes and billowing in the wind. In any never eaten anything that is common or unclean. case, Peter saw in his mind’s eye the sheet, full 10:14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord, for I of animals, being lowered down to the earth. have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” 10:12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted Ultimately, Peter is going to understand that beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and the Gentiles can be saved without becoming creeping things, and fowls of the air. Jews, and this is the purpose of the Lord’s 10:12 and there were in it all kinds of four-footed communication here. animals and crawling creatures of the earth and But even now, Peter and the other apostles are birds of the air. ignorant of the calling of the Gentiles, and the all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth fact that Gentiles will be admitted to the same Literally, “all the four-footed beasts,” not “of walk of life as the Jews, even though they had many kinds.” All varieties of animals are all been given the great commission and told included, the clean and the unclean, all reptiles, (Acts 1:8) that they would carry the Gospel to and all fowls. Fish are omitted here, although in “all the world”. the Old Testament, there were fish which were Peter’s refusal is a categorical statement that both clean and unclean. (Lev. 11:9; Deut. 14:9) says “I have never done anything like this, and I 10:13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, will not do it now.” When Peter uses the word Peter; kill, and eat. “unclean” he means, of course, ceremonially unclean. Peter had been reared from childhood to 31 Barnes, Acts 10:11 distinguish between clean and unclean food, as

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well as to make all of the other distinctions The red heifer offering is called a sin offering between that which is clean and unclean. Peter (Num. 19:9,17), and it portrays the sacrifice of regards this “proposal” of God’s as against all Christ as the medium of the believer's cleansing his upbringing and training; he would have from the pollution contracted by his contact been in great spiritual turmoil here. 32 with the world. The order of cleansing is: 1. The slaying of the sacrifice THE RED HEIFER OFFERING 2. The sevenfold sprinkling of the blood, When a person became ceremonially unclean showing the completed putting away of by some contact with an unclean animal or the believers sins before God (Heb. 9:12– person or by contact with a dead person, he 14). was required to go through a ritual cleansing. 3. The burning of the sacrifice to ashes and The material for this purification was their preservation as a memorial of the composed of running water and the ashes of the sacrifice “red heifer” (Num. 19:1ff). 4. The cleansing by sprinkling with ashes The ashes were prepared as follows: mixed with water, typical of the Holy A heifer, without blemish, and which had never Spirit and the Word of God (John 7:37–39; been yoked, was slaughtered outside the camp. Eph. 5:26). The son and successor of the high priest dipped The whole ritual shows the fact that the Holy his finger in the blood and sprinkled it seven Spirit used the Word of God to convict the times toward the sanctuary. believer of sin, thus making the believer The heifer was burned in the presence of the conscious that the guilt of sin was to be borne priest, who, at the same time, took the cedar by Christ in His sacrifice. Instead of losing wood, hyssop, and scarlet wood, and cast them hope, the convicted believer confesses the into the flames. unworthy act and is forgiven and cleansed A man who was free from defilement gathered (John 13:3–10; 1 John 1:7–10). the ashes and carried them to a clean place, still Acts 10:15 And the voice spoke unto him again outside the camp, where they were stored for the second time, What God has cleansed, that use as needed. All persons who were involved call not common. with this ceremony were considered unclean Acts 10:15 And again a voice came to him a until that evening. second time, “What God has cleansed, no longer The Procedure consider unholy.” [NASB] When someone needed to have the purification what God has cleansed rite performed on him, a man, who was himself That is, what God has pronounced clean and free from defilement, took some of the ashes, lawful to be used. put them in a vessel, and poured some fresh that call not common running water over them. koinovw to make common, to defile or profane, He dipped a bunch of hyssop into the mixture to consider holy (as in the NASB). and sprinkled it upon the person to be purified, once three days after the uncleanness had been The Lord is telling Peter here that nothing is of contracted, and again seven days after. itself unclean or unfit for use. Distinctions both At the same time, the tent in which a corpse had of men and food are go be laid aside; and the lain and all the furniture were sprinkled with Jews must now learn that what has been the same water. unclean, will be clean in the time to come. Typology of the Red Heifer Offering Gen. 9:1-3, And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be 32 Robertson, Acts 10:14 upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl

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of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and It’s very important that you read Acts 15; upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are Romans 14 and 15. they delivered. Acts 10:16 This was done thrice: and the vessel Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all was received up again into heaven. things. Acts 10:16 And this happened three times; and Here is a very important point! In the years and immediately the object was taken up into the sky. [NASB] centuries prior to the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai, God had made no distinction among Here again we have an account of a man who animals that could be used for food. The has direct contact with God and argues the case descendants of Adam, Noah and his sons, and with Him. Peter was insisting on maintaining their descendants, were free to eat anything his pose of pious living, beyond the actual will they wanted. of the Lord. 33 The phrase “was received up st The Law was introduced as an instructional into heaven” (1 aorist passive indicative of guide for the Jews, to communicate Bible ajnalambavnw), the same language used in doctrine to them; and the doctrines of sin, Acts 1:22 to described the ascension of the Lord spiritual uncleanness, the need for personal Jesus. inner cleansing and restoration to fellowship, Acts 10:17 Now while Peter doubted in himself were taught through the of the law and what this vision which he had seen should mean, sacrifices. behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius God the Father, who dictated the Law about had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood what animals were clean and unclean, could before the gate, certainly put an end to the restriction. Acts 10:17 ¶ Now while Peter was greatly Here is Paul speaking to Gentiles in Ephesians: perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been Eph. 2:11-16, Wherefore remember, that ye being sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Simons house, appeared at the gate; [NASB] Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; Peter doubted: dihpovrei “perplexed; That at that time ye were without Christ, being completely at a loss” It is dia + a + poro~ aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and (way), which means to be completely as a loss strangers from the covenants of promise, having no as to what road to take. When he began to think hope, and without God in the world: normally after his vision, Peter was more But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were puzzled that ever. far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. this vision For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition ojravma , “vision; something seen” This word between us; can be used to refer simply to something that a Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the person sees; and it’s used that way in :31 law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to describe the “sight” of the burning bush. to make in himself of twain one new man, so Acts 7:13, “When Moses saw it, he wondered at making peace; the sight ( )…” And that he might reconcile both unto God in one ojravma body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: what this vision should mean And Paul to the Galatians: Peter had a lot to think about. What did the Gal. 3:28,29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there vessel, or four-cornered sheets signify? Why is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor did God command him to rise up, kill, and eat female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. 33 Robertson, Acts 10:16

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these animals? Why did God now state that the This passage of Scripture describes one of the forbidden animals were now clean? most dramatic steps of faith that anyone has The Lord now begins providing Peter with the ever had to take. Considering the extreme answer to these questions. prejudice which Jewish people had against Gentiles in those days, it simply goes against The men made inquiry. The home of the reason to think that Peter, in just a few hours Tanner would not have been hard to find. time, so relaxes his own personal biases that he Anyone would have known where it was; is willing to converse with, then to travel with, residents of Joppa would probably have said these three Gentile men. Yet that is exactly what “follow your nose”. happens, by the grace of God and the divine stood before the gate enablement through the Holy Spirit. Or, “appeared at the gate; approached or came In the plan of God, the Jewish nation was up to the gate”. The gate was the pulwna , a responsible for the evangelization of Gentile sort of front door, or folding doors opening into nations, and had been for all of their history. the passage which led from the street to the However, far from carrying out the Lord’s inner part of the house. directives concerning bringing God’s Word to Acts 10:18 And called, and asked whether all people, throughout their history they Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged systematically isolated themselves from there. Gentiles, setting up impenetrable barriers to Acts 10:18 and calling out, they were asking any social interaction, and thoroughly whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was alienating any other race of people with whom staying there. [NASB] they came in contact. Here, Cornelius’ two servants and the soldier As the Church Age begins, we see here the first were standing at the front door of the house, major reversal of this trend, not in the Jewish speaking to Simon the tanner, or to his wife, or nation per se, but among the Christian Jews who someone of the household, asking for Peter. had been saved through the love and grace of Acts 10:19 While Peter thought on the vision, God, and who had the great desire to share the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek Christ with all people. you. Acts 10:21 Then Peter went down to the men Acts 10:19 And while Peter was reflecting on the which were sent to him from Cornelius; and said, vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men Behold, I am he whom you seek: what is the are looking for you.” [NASB] cause for which you are come? It was the Holy Spirit who informed Peter that Acts 10:21 And Peter went down to the men and the men were looking for him. Peter apparently said, “Behold, I am the one you are looking for; had not yet asked God for an answer, but God what is the reason for which you have come?” often answers before we ask. [NASB] Isaiah 65:24, “And it shall come to pass, that The Lord had not told Peter why the men had before they call, I will answer; and while they are come, only that they were there. In fact, Peter yet speaking, I will hear.” had no idea yet what the plan was. He only Acts 10:20 Arise therefore, and get you down, knew that there were three men looking for and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have him. sent them. Acts 10:22 And they said, Cornelius the Acts 10:20 “But arise, go downstairs, and centurion, a just man, and one that fears God, accompany them without misgivings; for I have and of good report among all the nation of the sent them Myself.” [NASB] Jews, was warned from God by a holy angel to Go with them, doubting nothing send for you into his house, and to hear words of Note that the NASB says “without misgivings”. you.

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Acts 10:22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, treatment, because there has been no a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by previous acquaintance. This word reflects a the entire nation of the Jews, was divinely directed Grace attitude toward people who have not by a holy angel to send for you to come to his yet earned your consideration. house and hear a message from you.” [NASB] This is a word of impersonal love - the type The men gave Peter a simple report; in fact, of attitude that is free of arrogance, envy, they knew no more than they were telling him, hatred, or even disdain for other people, the bare facts that their master had given them. even if there is sharp disagreement about There was nothing to motivate Peter either to doctrine or practice. This is the type of love entertain these men or to go with them, except that permits a Christian to love even his that the Lord had prepared him for something enemies or people that he doesn't like. extraordinary. This is the type of love that is the fruit of the Acts 10:23 Then he called them in, and lodged Holy Spirit. It does not come from emotion, them. And on the morrow Peter went away with although it may cause emotion. This is the them, and certain brethren from Joppa “professional” love of the mature Christian accompanied him. believer, analogous to the Love of God, the Acts 10:23 And so he invited them in and gave quality of which does not depend on the them lodging. ¶ And on the next day he arose and behavior or character of the one being went away with them, and some of the brethren loved, but on the character of the one who from Joppa accompanied him. [NASB] loves. So here are the people who begin a two-day’s walk from Joppa to Caesarea, a distance of The Lord has already begun to build Peter up in about 30 miles: the fruit of the Holy Spirit, as shown in Peter’s consideration for the ones he wants to win to 1. Two servants of Cornelius Christ. 2. A soldier who reports to Cornelius Acts 10:24 And the next day they entered into 3. Peter the apostle Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and 4. Six Christian men from Joppa (Acts had called together his kinsmen and near 11:12) friends. he called them in and lodged them Acts 10:24 And on the following day he entered It was extraordinary for a Jew to host Gentiles. Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, Here Peter is inviting these Gentiles into and had called together his relatives and close Simon’s home, which implies that Simon the friends. [NASB] tanner was gracious himself and hospitable. the next day Imagine, under ordinary circumstances in a They arrived on the following day, indicating Jewish community, how much ceremonial that they walked hard for two days. cleansing would usually have been required Cornelius was very confident that his men after such intimate contact with Gentiles, would be successful in persuading Peter to feeding and lodging them. come to Caesarea, so he made sure that all his Titus 1:8, But a lover of hospitality, a family and friends were available to meet Peter lover of good men, sober, just, holy, when he got to town. temperate. Acts 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, “a lover of hospitality”: (filozeno~), Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and literally, “having a love for strangers” worshipped him. This word carries the connotation of Acts 10:25 And when it came about that Peter hospitality, of doing something for someone entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. [NASB] who does not earn or deserve the good and worshipped him

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This is the aorist active indicative of Acts 10:26 But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand proskunevw, “to make obeisance; to do up; I too am just a man.” [NASB] reverence or homage, sometimes by kissing the Why does Peter have to correct Cornelius on hand. this point? Why is it not good for Cornelius to Now, was Cornelius actually trying to worship give so much honor to Peter? Peter as some kind of divine being, or merely 1. Giving honor to Peter distorts the message. showing honor to someone for whom he had The focus must always be kept on the Lord great respect? In verse 26, Peter tells him Jesus Christ. “Stand up; I myself also am a man” shows that 2. An apostle is a messenger, a keiruc , one an act of actual worship is meant here. who commnicates the message for another Robertson says, “The word probably here person. means reverence, like the old English usage, 3. It’s the message that is important, not the and not actual worship, though Peter took it messenger. that way.” Acts 10:27 And as he talked with him, he went But … in, and found many that were come together. From Knights of Aristophanes. Acts 10:27 And as he talked with him, he entered, Dhmosqenh~ and found many people assembled. [NASB] Acts 10:28 And he said unto them, You know ajge dhv suv katavqou prwvta tav skeuvh how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is camaiv, ejpeita thvn ghn proskuson kai tou~ a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of Qeou~. another nation; but God has showed me that I “First put down all your gear, then worship the should not call any man common or unclean. earth and the gods.” Acts 10:28 And he said to them, “You yourselves And, the fact that Peter “took it that way” is a know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to good indication that the word is used in the associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that I should not call any man sense of the actual worship of a God. unholy or unclean. [NASB] Furneaux says, “Cornelius was not an idolator Robertson 34: There is no Old Testament and would not have honored Peter as a god.” regulation against fraternization with Gentiles. However, Cornelius had just been visited by an It was the Jewish rabbis who took Deut. 7:1-3 angel of the Lord, so he could easily have and extrapolated it to extend to all relations thought that Peter was the same sort of with all Gentiles. messenger. It would not have been idolatry to Deut. 7:1-3, When the LORD thy God shall bow in honor of God’s angelic messenger. bring thee into the land whither thou goest READ Acts 14:6-18. Notice here that when Paul to possess it, and hath cast out many and Barnabas healed a man in who had nations before thee, the , and the never been able to walk, the people wanted to Girgashites, and the , and the worship them and offer sacrifices to them. The Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the apostles had a hard time setting these people Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations straight. greater and mightier than thou; Roman Catholicism would have take a much And when the LORD thy God shall deliver different direction in its early history if there them before thee; thou shalt smite them, had been a proper regard for Acts 10:25 and 26, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make and those in Acts 14. Acts 10:26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 34 Robertson, Acts 10:28

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no covenant with them, nor shew mercy The angel who appeared to Cornelius appeared unto them: as a man dressed in white, perhaps shining, Neither shalt thou make marriages with clothing. them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto Acts 10:31 And said, Cornelius, your prayer is his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take heard, and your alms are had in remembrance in unto thy son. the sight of God. Acts 10:29 Therefore I came unto you without Acts 10:31 and he said, Cornelius, your prayer has gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask been heard and your alms have been remembered therefore for what intent you have sent for me? before God. [NASB] Acts 10:29 “That is why I came without even Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call raising any objection when I was sent for. And so I hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is ask for what reason you have sent for me.” lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by [NASB] the sea side: who, when he comes, shall speak without gainsaying unto you. Here only in the NT, ajnantirhvtw~ , “without Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa and invite answering back; without complaint; without Simon, who is also called Peter, to come to you; he objections”. I couldn’t find any uses of this word is staying at the house of Simon the tanner by the in Greek literature. sea. [NASB] Acts 10:33 Immediately therefore I sent to you; See in Acts 19:36, this word used in Alexander’s and you have well done that you are come. Now speech to the Ephesian mob. therefore are we all here present before God, to As soon as Peter had understood that he was hear all things that are commanded you of God. expected to go to visit Cornelius, he raised no Acts 10:33 “And so I sent to you immediately, and further objections. The Holy Spirit had directed you have been kind enough to come. Now then, we Peter to go with the three men from Cornelius. are all here present before God to hear all that you Now Peter was stepping over the line of Jewish have been commanded by the Lord.” [NASB] custom. Immediately therefore I sent to you with what intent Cornelius wants Peter to know that he Correctly, in the NASB, “for what reason”. Peter responded immediately to the Lord’s message had some information from the messenger that he had received, notwithstanding that he (Acts 10:22), that Cornelius had been visited by understood very little of what was going on. an angel and that Peter was to be asked to go to And, he is explaining that he is not acting in his Caesarea to meet with Cornelius. role as a military leader, but as a humble Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I servant of God who is seeking answers. was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour you have well done that you are come I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood Cornelius is undoubtedly aware that Peter is before me in bright clothing, making an extraordinary effort to break away Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago to from Jewish custom. The fact that Cornelius this hour, I was praying in my house during the was so well known among the Jews makes it ninth hour; and behold, a man stood before me in certain that he was thoroughly familiar with the shining garments, [NASB] social barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Four days ago Remember that, socially, there was disdain on Reckoning backwards from this day. And we both sides, Jew and Gentile. But Cornelius see that the round trip travel time was about shows his gracious spirit in offering Peter a four days, walking from Joppa to Caesarea and warm and free welcome to his home. back. commanded you in bright clothing (“shining garments”)

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Cornelius uses a military term, prostetagmena good access to first person accounts in order to soi , from prostassow , an old military term compile his histories. He lived most of his life meaning “to command.” on , the island nearest where the mainland battle of Mycale had taken place. Mark 1:44, “Which Moses commanded (prostassow ). The Greeks attacked and drove the back into a fortified area. Finding themselves in Acts 17:26-28, And hath made of one blood all danger, decided to retreat through nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the the pass. However, the Milesians revolted earth, and hath determined (prostassow ) the against the Persians, decoyed them in another times before appointed, and the bounds of their direction, and then began killing the Persian habitation; soldiers. Very few Persian soldiers were left That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far alive to go home. from every one of us: As a further aside, the Greco-Persian wars had For in him we live, and move, and have our being; begun with a battle in Ephesus, so we see that as certain also of your own poets have said, For we our famous Bible locations of Ephesus, , are also his offspring. and had a considerable history. This word is used extensively in Greek Other battles in that war: Lade – Marathon – literature, so I will just give one illustration. In – Artemisium – Salamis – Plataea August 479 BC, the Greeks defeated the – Mycale – Eurymedon – Cyprus (Salamis) Persians at Mycale, in Ionia near Miletus, in one Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and of the last battles of the Greco-Persian wars. said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no Now, this period of history is very interesting, respecter of persons: because the Persian king at this time was Acts 10:34 And opening his mouth, Peter said: ¶ I, whom many historians believe to be “I most certainly understand now that God is not the King mentioned in the books of one to show partiality, [NASB] Ezra and Esther, the king whom Esther Of a truth I perceive married. It is said that Xerxes had led his troops to Greece and that he had observed the naval Note: Peter was learning more than Cornelius from a cliff overlooking the was! scene of that battle. The Athenians had won The light of truth was rapidly clearing away the that battle in September of 480 BC, just a year fog in Peter’s thinking. before the battle of Mycale. The word “perceive” is the verb When the Greeks landed on the Ionian katalambavnwmai , “to take hold of”, but here mainland, near the island of Samos, they it is in the middle voice and reflexive, which pursued the Persians because they thought they indicates that Peter laid hold in his own mind of were retreating. However, when the Greeks a great fact. The moment when all the pieces came upon the Persians, they found them ready came together for him was when he stepped for battle. (History 9.104) states that into Cornelius’ house and saw all the eager the Persians had already subdured the Greek people there. allies in the area, and they had stationed God is no respecter of persons ( ) the Milesians (citizens of prostassow “Respecter of persons” is proswpolhmth~ . Miletus) in a narrow mountain pass to guard it Robertson says that this particular so that the Persians could retreat through it if compounded word only appears in Greek in necessary. two places, here in Acts 10:34 and in the Herodotus lived during the 5th Century BC, but writings of Chrysostom, one of the church he was too young to have participated in the Fathers. Persians wars. Nevertheless, he would have had

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James 2:1, My brethren, have (hold) not the faith of Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus respect of persons . Christ: (he is Lord of all:) Romans 2:11, For there is no respect of persons Acts 10:36 “The word which He sent to the sons with God. of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He The compound is made up of pros (toward) + is Lord of all)-- [NASB] op~ (eye or face) + lambanw (take hold of, Acts 10:37 That word, I say, you know, which receive; choose), hence, to choose or receive was published throughout all Judaea, and began someone by looking toward his face or from Galilee, after the baptism which John appearance. preached; The idea is to pay regard to a person’s Acts 10:37 you yourselves know the thing which appearance or circumstances, rather than to his took place throughout all Judea, starting from basic character. The Jews had come to feel that Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. they were the favorites of God because they [NASB] were descendants of the Patriarchs. In fact, Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth had rebuked them for this false with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went idea. 35 about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that fears him, Acts 10:38 “ You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how and works righteousness, is accepted with him. God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with Acts 10:35 but in every nation the man who fears power, and how He went about doing good, and Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him. healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for [NASB] God was with Him. [NASB] The idea here is that now Peter understands Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things that the grace of God was not extended only to which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jews. This combination of circumstances and Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a events has convinced him that salvation and tree: grace are for Gentiles as well. Acts 10:39 “And we are witnesses of all the things This was what Peter’s vision was designed to He did both in the land of the Jews and in teach; and it was imperative that this Jerusalem. And they also put Him to death by knowledge be communicated immediately to hanging Him on a cross. [NASB] the rest of the apostles and to the whole Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and Christian community. showed him openly; in every nation Acts 10:40 “God raised Him up on the third day, All people, Jews and Gentiles. and granted that He should become visible, [NASB] he that fears Him, and works righteousness, is Acts 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto accepted with Him witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who The key idea here is that a Gentile does not did eat and drink with him after he rose from the have to become a Jew to become a Christian. dead. Salvation, and fellowship with God, are based Acts 10:41 not to all the people, but to witnesses on a mental attitude. It is reverence for God, who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us, and faith in Christ, that brings salvation. It is who ate and drank with Him after He arose from important to be very familiar with the following the dead. [NASB] Bible doctrine topics. Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of alive and dead. 35 Robertson, Acts 10:34

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Acts 10:42 “And He ordered us to preach to the Exhortation people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One Hellenists and Arameans who has been appointed by God as Judge of the Holy Spirit, Filling living and the dead. [NASB] Jews Attitude re: Gentiles Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, Occupation with Christ that through his name whosoever believes in Repentance him shall receive remission of sins. Uncleanness Acts 10:43 “Of Him all the prophets bear witness Acts 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that that through His name everyone who believes in were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also Him receives forgiveness of sins.” [NASB] received the word of God. Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the apostles and brethren word. The people referred to here are the other 11 Acts 10:44 ¶ While Peter was still speaking these apostles and all of the other Christian brethren words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were in the churches of Judea. listening to the message. [NASB] Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which in Judea (kata thn Ioudian) believed were astonished, as many as came with “throughout all Judea”, probably meaning all of Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was Palestine. There were many churches in the poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. region by this time, as the witness was going Acts 10:45 And all the circumcised believers who out steadily farther and farther from Jerusalem. had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift that the Gentiles had also received the word of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also. [NASB] of God Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with When the Samaritans were reached for Christ, tongues, and magnify God. during the ministry of Philip, this was certainly Acts 10:46 For they were hearing them speaking good news; but the Samaritans were, at least, with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter half Jewish. Cornelius, and his family and answered, [NASB] friends, were Roman, not Jewish at all! So this Acts 10:47 Then answered Peter, Can any man sensational news spread like wildfire (given the forbid water, that these should not be baptized, modes of communication in those days: which have received the Holy Spirit as well as and travellers). we? At this point in the study, you should re-read Acts 10:47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for chapter 10 and the accompanying notes, to these to be baptized who have received the Holy review how this event unfolded. Spirit just as we did, can he?” [NASB] Imagine the various kinds of reaction among Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be the Jewish Christians. baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they When we study the situation on when the asked him to tarry certain days. Jewish and Greek Christians were trying to co- Acts 10:48 And he ordered them to be baptized in exist in the local churches there ( to the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to Titus), we see what the legalistic Judaizers stay on for a few days. [NASB] there were trying to promote. From Titus 1 and ACTS 11 Titus 3 we see that some really confrontational Jewish believers were teaching Jewish fables ACTS 11 TOPICAL STUDIES and traditions. The situation was so bad that Barnabas Paul told Titus that he might have to Circumcision excommunicate some people, if they would not Doctrine, Importance listen to Titus’s grace teaching.

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Acts 11:2 And when Peter was come up to Gill says, “They “litigated the point, disputed Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision the matter with him, and quarrelled with him…” contended with him, Barnes goes farther: They “disputed; reproved him; charged him with being in fault.” And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem And Clarke is the strongest of all: “He is now Soon after leaving Cornelius in Caesarea, Peter called to account for his conduct, which they returned to Jerusalem, where his first task is to judged to be reprehensible…” report to the other apostles and the church But – the defininition and common usage of this about the whole incident. 36 word does not demand that we take it in these (Some manuscripts have an expanded text strong terms. There is no need to think that the which indicates that Peter spent a long time on Jewish leaders were reproving Peter or judging his way to Jerusalem, although we don’t know him for some wrongdoing. how long that was.) “contended” is διεκρίνοντο, imp. mid. indic. 3p they that were of the circumcision of diakrinw , used in the following ways in the Some commentators interpret the phrase New Testament: “those who were circumcised” to refer to some (1) as evaluating the difference between separate party of Judaizers in the Christian things discern, distinguish, differentiate. church. Matt. 16.3, “And in the morning, It will be Later, in Acts 15:5 Luke will refer to a group of foul weather to day: for the sky is red Christian who were insisting on and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can circumcision for Christians; but there is nothing discern the face of the sky; but can ye to suggest these people are meant here. not discern the signs of the times?” Luke uses this phrase simply to refer to Jewish (2) as making a distinction between persons Christians. In fact, he had used the same phrase by evaluation make a difference, decide in Acts 10:45 to refer to the six Jewish men who between, pass judgment on. Acts 15:9, accompanied Peter to Caesarea. “And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.” contended with him (3) as a legal technical term for arbitration The phrase “contended with him” comes from judge a dispute, settle a difference. the same word translated “doubting nothing” in 1 Cor. 6:5, “I speak to your shame. Is it Acts 10:20 and 11:12. It means “to make a so, that there is not a wise man among difference”.37 you? no, not one that shall be able to This is a word that bears careful study, because judge between his brethren? we want to know as much as we can about the (4) in the aorist tense, the middle sense is attitude of the men who were questioning conveyed with the passive form; Peter. Were these men being confrontational? (a) as debating an issue dispute, contend, Were they severely criticizing Peter because of argue, Acts 11:2, what he had done with Cornelius? Or were they (b) as being undecided within oneself open minded, expressing sincere doubts, asking doubt, hesitate, waver. James 1:6, “But honest questions about this extraordinary let him ask in faith, nothing wavering situation? (NAS: doubting). For he that wavereth (doubts) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” This word diakrinw is most often used in the 36 Baker, Acts 11 sense of a person’s not understanding something or of doubting something. 37 Bible Exposition Commentary, Acts 11.

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Furthermore, the response of Peter’s reasons for entering a Gentile home and eating questioners, shown in Acts 11:18, shows that, unclean food! 38 far from being antagonistic or confrontational, READ Romans 3 and 4 they readily accepted Peter’s explanation without any further doubt. and did eat with them. Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they No one was more strict about Jewish dietary held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then laws than Peter was. The Lord had to go to has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance extraordinary lengths to persuade Peter that unto life. what He had cleansed was not to be considered Acts 11:3 Saying, You went in to uncircumcised unclean! men, and did eat with them. The objection of the church members is that you went in to uncircumcised men, Peter entered the home of Gentiles and ate with This is an honest question asked by open- them. The Jews had always avoided such minded men. Several commentators state that contact with Gentiles for fear of becoming this is a contentious issue raised by hardline ceremonially unclean; and they refused to eat Judaizers. with them because they were commanded not to eat anything unclean. They had been Vincent says that this is an indignant compelled to reject social contact with Gentiles expression. for these reasons; in addition, there would have A. T. Robertson says that the expression is been intense social pressure to conform, from “contemptuous”, and further that “it was the Jews who were not Christians. 39 same complaint in principle that the Pharisees had made against Jesus when he ate with Acts 11:4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from publicans and sinners. the beginning, and expounded it by order unto Luke 15:1,2, “Then drew near unto him all the them, saying, publicans and sinners to hear him. And the In his report Peter presents three pieces of Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man evidence: (1) the vision from God (Acts 11:5- receives sinners, and eats with them.” 11); (2) the witness of the Holy Spirit (Acts Yes it is a similar complaint, but not in principle. 11:12-15, 17), and (3) the witness of the Word The Pharisees hated Christ and were His mortal of Christ (Acts 11:16). Of course, none of these enemies; Peter was being questioned by his men had seen the vision, but they trusted close friends and colleagues. Peter’s report, for they knew that, in his The Christian leaders are seeking the truth; and personal life, he had been as orthodox as they when we read about their immediate were. He was not likely to go to the Gentiles on acceptance of Peter’s explanation, in verse 18, his own and then invent a story to cover up. 40 we see any idea of contention drop away. You can see true contention in passages like Luke 15:12, where the Pharisees are in bitter contention with the Lord Jesus over issues like these. NOTE that the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, even though they have heard that the Gentiles had accepted the gospel, do not question Peter’s evangelistic mission to the Gentiles. They don’t ask about Cornelius’s faith in Christ 38 Baker, Acts 11 or baptism; rather, they want to know Peter’s 39 Baker, Acts 11 40 Bible Exposition Commentary, Acts 11

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rehearsed the matter from the beginning soldier would be used to marching 30 miles per day with full equipment; but this solder had the This phrase in the KJV translation is from the two civilians with him, who were probably not single Greek word ἀρξάμενος , which means, in as good condition. But even at three miles simply, “to begin”. It is a participle from the per hour, they would have had to leave verb ajvrcw which means primarily “to rule” Caesarea at midnight or soon after. but also means “to begin; to start”. The NIV As we know from chapter 10, Peter was on the has a simpler and more correct phrase, roof, or housetop, of Simon the tanner’s house. “Peter began … and explained everything to The “housetop” was a typical rooftop of homes them precisely as it had in those days, enclosed and probably having happened:”expounded by order small trees or vines to provide shade. Robertson says that a rooftop was a good place The perfect middle of ἐκτίθημι “to set forth.” 41 Peter gave them an orderly and complete for meditation, prayer, and naps! narrative of the events. And a thorough and Recall what had happened two days before at accurate explanation was certainly needed. This Cornelius’s house. Acts 10:1-8. is one of the most important teaching sessions in a trance I saw a vision that Peter would have, to instruct these apostles and elders in fundamental Grace εἰ̂δον ἐν ἐκστάσει ὅραμα doctrines. “Trance” is ejkstavsei . Acts 10:10 says, “he fell “By order” is (kaqexh~), “one after another.” into a trance.” Literally, “an ecstasy came upon Good training is devoted to the content of the him.” (ejgeneto ep’auton ejkstasi~). He was instruction, without deviating into side issues, filled with a wonder and an astonishment. personal anecdotes, or irrelevant stories or Barnes describes it as “a state of mind when the comments. attention is so absorbed in a train of thought, that the external senses are partially or entirely I attended an Air Force class in chemical suit suspended.” This was a state of such mental training when I was on a job overseas. The concentration, daydreaming is an example, that instructor filled the two-hour session with one is not aware of outside things. facts, demonstrations, and careful teaching. There were no anecdotes, personal stories, or A person’s mind is divided into the conscious opinions about politics; only that which was mind and the subconscious. We go about out useful to us who were learning how to use the daily lives using about 15% of our conscious chemical gear. minds, leaving the other 85% to the subconscious. When we are awake, the Preaching (khrussw) is the work of teaching the conscious mind is more active and noticeable Word of God without deviating from the text. than the subconscious; but when were are very Acts 11:5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and relaxed or daydreaming, the subconscious in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel becomes more active. 42 descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down Consciousness means awareness. We use the from heaven by four corners; and it came even conscious mind to reason between cause and to me: effect. We take in information by the senses: I was in the city of Joppa praying sight, smell; taste; touch; hearing; and we use that information to think and make judgements It’s about 35 miles (Clarke says 12 to 15 leagues) from Caesarea to Joppa, so Cornelius’s men would have had to leave early in the 41 Robertson, Acts 10:9 morning. They were drawing near the city 42 about noon, which is the sixth hour. A Roman Grossman, Dr. Kenneth, The Conscious and Subconscious Minds

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based on our stored knowledge and specifically of sails and ropes. Also, “a man of experiences. quality, a chosen instrument”. “Vessel” was a The subconscious is a file cabinet where all of common Greek metaphor for “body” since our past history is stored. When the conscious Greeks thought of souls living temporarily in mind needs some information, it goes to the bodies. subconscious to retrieve it. In Acts 9:15, God tells Ananias that Paul is a The conscious mind also controls voluntary “chosen vessel (skeuov~) unto me…”. bodily movements; but the subconscious So, Peter is using this word to refer to some controls involuntary bodily functions. The sort of container which he sees, which he subconscious is active when the conscious mind describedf as is not functioning, such as during sleep. The fact that we breathe and our hearts beat ,without a great sheet let down from heaven by four our consciously thinking about it, is proof that corners the subconscious is at work. This is an old Greek word for linen cloth. The The subconscious also works on “problems” corners were tied, as if with a rope, so that the submitted to it by the conscious mind. That’s full sheet would form into a sort of sack.. One why we say about an idea, “Let me sleep on it.” commentator thinks that this is like a ship’s sail, And it is well known that while we are asleep, tied by ropes and billowing in the wind. In any the brain often works out some difficult case, Peter saw in his mind’s eye the sheet, full problems. of animals, being lowered down to the earth. Those who study the function of the mind and it came even to me recognize that the brain operates in four This is new information. In Acts 10:11 he said general states, determine by the electricity that the vessel was let down to the earth. Now generated by the exchange of chemicals in the he adds that “it came even to me.” neural pathways. The four states are: Full Conscious Awareness State Acts 11:6 Upon which when I had fastened mine Deep Relaxation State eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of Dream State the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, Sleep State and fowls of the air. In the state of Deep Relaxation, both the Upon which when I had fastened mine eyes conscious and subconscious minds are This is the verb ajtenivzw , “to look intently; to functioning, and here memories become more gaze earnestly; to stare. easily accessible. This is the state of mind that a Luke 4:14-20, “And Jesus returned in the power hypnotist uses to make suggestions that of the Spirit into Galilee … And he taught in register on the subconscious, later to be used their synagogues, being glorified of all. …And he by the conscious mind after a person become closed the book, and he gave it again to the fully aware again. minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them The “trance” is the Deep Relaxation State. When that were in the synagogue were fastened on a person is in a trance, he is not fully active, but him.” he is also not dreaming or sleeping. He is Acts 3:4, “And Peter, fastening his eyes upon relaxed, and the “volume control” of the him with John, said, Look on us.” conscious mind is turned down. Acts 3:12, “And when Peter saw it, he answered a certain vessel descend unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel “Vessel” is skeuov~ . “a vessel; an implement” ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as In the plural, “household utensils; domestic though by our own power or holiness we had gear; the tackle and armament of vessels”, used made this man to walk?”

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Peter was very intently looking at the objects in Arise, Peter, slay and eat. the vision that he saw. The word “kill” is quw which means “to offer in I considered, and saw, sacrifice; to offer as part of a meal to the gods.” Considered is katenovoun the imp. act of Hence, “Get up, Peter, sacrifice some of these katanoevw , “to put the mind down on; to animals and eat.” ponder; to observe well”. The reason that the Law required clean animals for the sacrifice was because of the typology; fourfooted beasts of the earth the animals represented Christ. This is , Latin . tetravpodo~ quadrupedia After animals were killed for the burnt offering, Quadrupeds; four-footed animals. Cattle, and the offering made to God, the meat was horses, camels, elephants, etc. Some clean, made available to the whole priesthood for some unclean. their meals. Here, God is commanding Peter to wild beasts offer any of these animals in sacrifice, even the What Peter saw was a complete representative unclean ones, then to eat. selection of clean and unclean animals. The Material of the Sin Offering The animal to be offered was determined by creeping things the nature of the offense and by the Snakes, from the Greek, eJrpeto~ [Engl. position, or rank, of the one making the herpetology]. offering. fowls of the air A young bullock was offered for a sin of the whole congregation (Lev. 4:13), for a sin of or, birds. the high priest (Lev. 4:3), for the high priest Literally, “all the four-footed beasts,” not “of on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:3), and many kinds.” All varieties of animals are for the consecration of priests and Levites included, the clean and the unclean, all reptiles, to their offices (Exo. 29:10,14,35; Num. 8:8). and all fowls. Fish are omitted here, although in A he-goat was offered on new moon and the Old Testament, there were fish which were annual festivals (Num. 28:15,22,30; both clean and unclean. (Lev. 11:9; Deut. 14:9) 29:5,11,16,19), at the dedication of the Acts 11:7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, tabernacle (and Temple) (Num. 7:16,22; Arise, Peter; slay and eat. :17, w/8:35), and for the sin of a prince (Lev. 4:23). I heard a voice saying unto me A she-goat was offered for a sin by one of Peter heard this voice while he was in the the common people (Lev. 4:28,32; 5:6). trance. he heard it in his mind; if someone else A she-lamb of a year old was offered for the had been present, they would have heard cleansing of a leper (Lev. 14:10,19) and nothing. when a Nazarite was released from his vow Contrast this with Acts 9:7, “And the men which (Num. 6:14). journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing A pigeon or turtledove was used for a voice, but seeing no man.” purifying a woman after childbirth (Lev. Acts 22:17,18, “And it came to pass, that, when I 12:6), for a man or woman who had had come again to Jerusalem, while I prayed in the protracted issues of blood (Lev. 15:14,29), temple, I was in a trance; and for a Nazarite who had been defiled by And saw him saying to me, Make haste, and get contact with a dead body (Num. 6:10). A you quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not bird was also used as a substitute for a lamb receive your testimony concerning me. in the case of poverty, for an ordinary offense (Lev. 5:7).

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Typology of the Sin Offering This passage shows that Peter, an “ignorant and The sin offering presents Christ atoning for unlearned” fisherman, was nevertheless just as the guilt of sin (Heb. 13:11,12). It shows knowledgeable and strict on this point as any Christ as actually burdened with the Pharisee. believer's sin, standing in the sinner's place Acts 4:13, “Now when they saw the boldness of as his substitute. This offering tells of the Peter and John, and perceived that they were Lord's death as presented in Isaiah 53, unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and Psalm 22, and 1 Peter 2:24. It carefully they took knowledge of them, that they had been guards the holiness of Him who "was made with Jesus.” sin for us." “unlearned” (agrammatoi) = literally, “unlettered,” with specific reference here to the Rabbinic This vision is appearing in Peter’s mind. There culture, which Peter had never been involved with. is no idea here of actual animals appearing or Peter and John had no credentials to teach; they that Peter will actually kill an animal and cook hadn’t studied in either of the great schools of the flesh. This is a symbolic representation Hillel and Schammai. which has a direct application, that the Gentiles, “ignorant” (idiotai). “Ignorant” is a poor choice for whom the Jews consider to be unclean, are an this translation. This Greek word referred to a equal part of God’s plan for Christianity. person who was in a “private” situation, rather than someone in public office or community affairs. The Acts 11:8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing word “layman” would be appropriate. But here, the common or unclean has at any time entered into Sanhedrin would consider themselves superior, so my mouth. the meaning of “common” or “plebeian” would occur to them, since they regarded the men as ill- Not so, Lord. informed. In the Old Testament God had made a Acts 11:9 But the voice answered me again from distinction between clean and unclean animals. heaven, What God has cleansed, that call not See Leviticus 11:2-27; Deuteronomy 14:3- you common. 20. Peter pled that he had never violated these laws, and that he could not now violate it, as it the voice answered me again from heaven was a law of God. The voice of the Lord; or the voice of some Peter had been reared from childhood to heavenly messenger, spoke again in response to distinguish between clean and unclean food, as Peter. well as to make all of the other distinctions what God has cleansed, that call not you between that which is clean and unclean. Peter common. regards this “proposal” of God’s as against all his upbringing and training; he would have The work of Jesus Christ on the Cross put an been in great spiritual turmoil here. end to all of the ceremonial Law, and in particular, here, to the distinctions in food. for nothing common or unclean has at any Matt. 15:10-12, “And he called the multitude, and time entered my mouth. said unto them, Hear, and understand: This would include unclean fish, those that did “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a not have both fins and scales, e.g. eels, shellfish. man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this As a fisherman, Peter would have been well defileth a man. aware of whether a particular species of fish “Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, was unclean. after they heard this saying?” Clean insects were those which had wings and Rom. 14:14, “I know, and am persuaded by the four legs, with two hind legs for jumping. Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: Grasshoppers were OK, but not cockroaches! but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.”

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Here was Paul, a Pharisee of the Pharisees, stating The term “house” or “household” includes all that which was far from obvious to a Jew, that members of Cornelius’ family, his servants, and nothing is unclean of itself. Paul must have had just even his soldiers. as much trouble as Peter had in adjusting himself to the new dispensation of Grace. Romans 14 shows :31, “And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, clearly that there was still a lot of teaching to be and you shall be saved, you and your household.” (the done on these questions of Jewish legality. Philippian jailer). Acts 11:10 And this was done three times: and Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy all were drawn up again into heaven. Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning. That is, the voice from heaven repeated the In his report, Peter does not repeat the message command three times. that he spoke at Cornelius’ house; he reports what God did, not what he said. We know that After God had spoken three times, the vision Peter had preached for a while before the ended by the vessel being pulled back into Gentiles began to speak in tongues. The words heaven. “as I began to speak” mean “during my opening Acts 11:11, 12 And, behold, immediately there remarks.” Cornelius invited Peter to stay with were three men already come unto the house him in Caesarea for “certain days” (Acts 10:48), where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And and the time obviously would have been spent the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing in extensive teaching. doubting. Moreover these six brethren the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: beginning These were the three men who were sent by The Holy Spirit first fell on believers on the day Cornelius (Acts 10:17-24). Their appearance of Pentecost. The outpouring on that day was a just as Peter’s vision ended served to explain major event in the history of the church. Now the whole thing to Peter, at least up to a point; Peter explains that the Gentiles also have he would have a full picture once he shows up received the same salvation and the same gift. at Cornelius’ house and sees all the Gentiles Cornelius and his family exhibited the same gathered together to hear the preaching. Also, spiritual gift, that of speaking of tongues, that Peter has the direct order from the Holy Spirit the Christians had received on the Day of to go with these men. Pentecost. See notes on Acts 10:17-24. The Christian church now “officially” consists of Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles. 43 Acts 11:13 And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto Acts 11:16 Then I remembered the word of the him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized whose surname is Peter; with water; but you shall be baptized with the The word ajvngello~ means “messenger”. Holy Spirit. Acts 1:4,5, And, being assembled together with In Acts 10:30, Cornelius referred to the them, commanded them that they should not depart messenger as “a man.” Cornelius may not have from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the recognized this person as an angel, but at least Father, which, said he, you have heard of me. For he thought of him as an extraordinary person, John truly baptized with water; but you shall be as one sent from God, so he obeyed the baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence. message. When Cornelius’s household accepted Christ Acts 11:14 Who shall tell you words, whereby by believing the Gospel message, among the you and all your house shall be saved. things they experienced were there: The angelic messenger promised that Peter would bring the gospel message to Cornelius. 43 Baker, Acts 11:15

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1. They were placed into union with Christ by 2 Cor. 5:17, “If any man is in Christ, he is a new means of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; creature.” 2. They were indwelt by the Holy Spirit; Being a new creature is not a product of how 3. They were filled with the Holy Spirit; you have changed your life or cleaned up your 4. They were given spiritual gifts; act. You are a new creature the moment you are 5. At least some of them, perhaps all of them, saved, before you even have a chance to turn had the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, over a new leaf. which they exercised at this time. Life changes are based on consistency in The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is that walking in fellowship, being occupied with particular work of the Holy Spirit that takes the Christ, and by the ministry of the Holy Spirit new believer and places him in union with over time, as He teaches and edifies. Jesus Christ. Acts 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them 1 The Baptism of the Holy Spirit did not occur the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on in Old Testament times or during the life of the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could Christ. It occurred for the first time on the withstand God? day of Pentecost. 2 It was prophesied by John the Baptist the like gift Matt. 3:11, “I indeed baptize you with water That is, “the equal gift”, referring to spiritual unto repentance; but he that comes after gifts, in this case, the gift of speaking in tongues. me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not The Gentiles spoke in tongues, just like the worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with apostles had done on the Day of Pentecost. the Holy Spirit and with fire…” Both classes, Jews and Gentiles, trusted in 3 The mechanics of the baptism are described Christ, and both received the Holy Spirit. in: [Pastor Bolender has an excellent series of 1 Cor. 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all lessons on spiritual gifts and the gift of tongues. baptized into one body, whether we be Jews See his series on 1 Corinthians.] or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; Acts 10:34, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and and have all been made to drink into one said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter Spirit.” of persons:” 4 The Baptism of the Holy Spirit unifies all what was I, that I could withstand God believers, Eph. 4:5, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism” Peter’s rhetorical question is really two While people are diverse in race, culture, questions, “Who was I?” and “Was I able to personality, geography. hinder God?” His statement of the facts made for an unanswerable defence. Yet later in his Gal. 3:26-28, “For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have career, Peter will waver on this issue, been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There equivocating before the emissaries from is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor Jerusalem, on this very point of eating with free, there is neither male not female; for you are Gentiles. (Gal. 2:11). 44 all one in Christ Jesus.” Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the great held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then emancipator: of slaves, of women, and especially of those bound up in religion. has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. This is a key doctrine. It supports many other concepts. they held their peace - hJsuvcasan , aor. act. ind. of hJsucavw, “to keep quiet; to be still”. It is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that makes a person a new creature. 44 Robertson, Acts 11:17

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Peter’s report had been fascinating to the connotation either of feeling regretful for, or of apostles and others who were listening. This turning away from, sin. I hope that the phrase means that they considered that their following discussion, of both the English and question about Peter’s behavior had been Greek words in this context, will help explain answered satisfactorily. what is intended. glorified God – ejdovxazon , aor. act. ind. of First, let’s examine the English word. “Repent” doxavzw , a verb which has a variety of uses, is from the Latin, re + poenitere, meaning “to meaning generally “to imagine; to magnify; to regret; to be sorry”. The Oxford English extol; to glorify”. Dictionary has the following meanings: repentance unto life 1. To affect oneself with contrition as regret Or, from the NAS, repentance that leads to for something done or for something life. inherently wrong, some fault, misconduct, sin, or other offence. Now, this is a curious phrase in some respects. Why are they saying that repentance leads to 2. To feel contrition, compunction, sorrow, life, when were are sure that eternal life is or regret. based on “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and 3. To change one’s mind with regard to past you shall be saved.” Consider the Philippian action or conduct through dissatisfaction jailer’s salvation: with it or its results. Acts 16:31,32, “And brought them out, and said, You can see that a person’s opinion of what is Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, required for salvation is colored by which of the Believe (pisteuvw) on the Lord Jesus Christ, and above definitions is chosen. That is, if you thou shalt be saved, and thy house. choose #1 or #2 you might conclude that, in But then, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter told the order to properly repent, you must feel great people: sorrow or regret for your sins. Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent Now, regret can range from a mild regret to a (metanoevw), and be baptized every one of you in life-threatening sorrow. A mild regret says, “Oh, the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, I see I’ve been wrong; I’ll do it the other way.” A and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” severe regret is a raging sorrow which can “believe” is pisteuvw , “to believe”. destroy one emotionally and physically, as from “repentance” is metanoiva , “a change of mind some unintentional action that harms a loved or heart; repentance”. one. So the question is, how do we reconcile these So, a person may feel great regret about sin: the two words in deciding exactly how it is that a offense to God, the effect on others, etc. Or, a person gets saved? person may not know enough about sin, or its consequences, to have much regret at all. For The problem is with the word “repentance” in many people, the first they hear about sin is in this verse. The problem occurs because the an evangelistic message or Bible class. English word “repent” carries the meaning of “feeling sorrow or regret” or “turning away” Regret over past sins actually grows as one is from something. And from these English edified, as a person gains divine viewpoint and definitions, many people have taught that a sees real issues in life. If a believer doesn’t learn person must be sincerely sorry about sin and about forgiveness, confession, and restoration turn away from it, as a necessary condition for to fellowship, he might build up a tremendous salvation. guilt complex about his past. This is why it’s such a blessing to know that past sins have But the Greek word here, metanoiva , from been forgiven. “As far as the east is from the which the word “repentance” is translated, west, so far has He removed our transgressions means “a change of mind,” and it has no from us.”

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But making regret a necessary part of sin, your relationship to God, and about the salvation raises a dilemma – if “repentance” is work of Christ for salvation. “feeling sorry for sin,” then how sorry do you If you have studied the Bible as a Christian, the have to feel? Mild sorrow or raging sorrow? Word of God has led you to change your mind And how do you demonstrate this sorrow to about many things. God? These thoughts lead people into such Eph. 4:22-24, “That you put off concerning the extremes as asceticism and self-punishment of former manner of life the old man, which is corrupt one kind or another – great attempts to impress according to the deceitful lusts, God, and other people, with the extent of one’s “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; contrition. “And that you put on the new man, which after Another question arises from this, “Will I have God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” to wait until the end of my life, or until I face Sin is too pervasive; there are too many sins. God, to know whether my sorrow has been Mental attitude sins – sins of the tongue – open enough?” And some religions teach just that, and public sins. You can’t turn away from all that you won’t really know until you reach your sins, even temporarily. eternity just what your status is. You can see what a vicious circle the legalist is And, “What about my lack of knowledge of sins? in, the one who thinks you can lose your How many sins are there that I don’t even know salvation. If it were possible to lose salvation, about? How much sorrow must I have about assuming you were successful in earning it in each type and variety? Must I feel as sorry for the first place, you could never keep salvation. gossip as I would for murder?” Let’s compare this verse and Acts 16:31, in The question here, of course, is “works.” Can which the Philippian jailer is told simply to repentance be misconstrued to support a “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” “works” doctrine? Yes it can, if feeling sorry is We can see that “believe” (PISTEUW) and made a necessary constituent of salvation. Just “repent” (METANOEW) are synonymous in as in all forms of legalism, there is great their application. potential here for bullying by clergy and Both require focusing one’s attention on Christ. “informed” laymen. Both require positive volition to the Gospel. To resolve these vocabulary problems, the Both require acceptance of divine viewpoint Greek word must be studied. regarding Christ and His work on the Cross. The Greek for “repent” is METANOEW, which Both mean that you have information that you means “to change the mind; to rethink did not have before and that you accept a something.” There is no emotion or feeling point of view. involved in this activity. Therefore, if we are Both mental attitudes are non-meritorious, that going to use the English word “repent” to is, neither involves any sort of works. translate METANOEW, we must be certain that The Jew, however, is going to have a more Definition #3 (above) is meant! wrenching experience as he turns from his METANOEW, as an active verb, needs to have religion to Christ. “Repentance” means that, an object in context. One must change one’s however much he loves his religion and follows mind about something. You might change your his religious practices, he no longer trusts in the mind because of an honest mistake. You bought works of his religion to save him. He trusts a Ferrari and now you can’t pay for it. Or, you Christ. may receive some education that changes your The Philippian jailer has no such hold over his thinking about many things. mind. He accepts Christ readily, with no If you have accepted Christ as Savior, at some religious reservations. He is simply a man in point you changed your thinking about your trouble grasping at a straw which turns out to be a lifeboat.

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Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered We know that not all believers were being abroad upon the persecution that arose about scattered at this time, although certainly over Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, the next few years, believers of all types were and Antioch, preaching the word to the Jews “sown” throughout the Middle East. only. GILL: “Not all the members of the church [were We have seen that the persecution in which scattered], nor perhaps any of the private ones; Stephen was killed resulted in a general for we afterwards read of devout men that dispersion of the Christians. carried Stephen to his grave; and of the church being made havoc of by Saul; and of men and Acts 8:1, And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution women being haled out of their houses, and against the church which was at Jerusalem; and committed to prison by him; but all the they were all scattered abroad throughout the preachers of the word [were scattered], except regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. the apostles; for they that were scattered went The persecution was, at first, against the church about preaching the word, (Acts 8:4, 11:19) in Jerusalem, which was no sooner planted than Among these were Philip, who went to Samaria; it was persecuted. Christ often taught that Ananias, who was at Damascus; and others that tribulation and persecution would arise went as far as Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch.” 46 because of the Word. And the Lord had Wherever they went they spoke to their Jewish particularly foretold that Jerusalem would soon brethren of their faith that the promises had be made dangerous for his followers, for that been fulfilled in the life and resurrection of city had been famous for killing the prophets Jesus Christ. This dispersion and preaching of and stoning those that were sent to it, Matthew the Gospel extended even to the island of 23:37. Cyprus, and along the Phoenician coast as far as In this persecution many were put to death, for Antioch. For some time the glad tidings were Paul states that at this time he “persecuted this made known only to the scattered children of way [Christianity] unto the death,” (Acts 21:4): Israel. But at length some of the Hellenistic and that when they were put to death he gave Jews, natives of Cyprus and Cyrene, spoke to his voice against them (Acts 26:10).” 45 the Greeks themselves at Antioch, and the According to some accounts, though they divine Spirit gave such power to the Word that cannot be depended on, two thousand persons a vast number “believed and turned to the suffered at this time: and if this was the case, it Lord.” 47 would certainly qualify as a great persecution. Phenice 48 scattered abroad – aor. pass. participle of was an ancient civilization centered diaspeivrw “to scatter; to disperse” The in the north of ancient Canaan, lying mainly passive voice indicates that the people did not along the coast of modern day Lebanon, Syria scatter themselves, but that they were and northern Israel. Phoenician civilization was scattered by other people, namely, by those an enterprising maritime trading culture that who were persecuting them. spread across the Mediterranean during the Those who were scattered at this time were, first millennium BC, between the period of mainly, the preachers of the word; those who 1200 BC to 900 BC. brought themselves under the notice of the Jewish hierarchy for their outspoken witnessing. 46 Gill, John, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments. 47 Conybeare and Howson, chapter 4 45 Henry, Matthew, Commentary on the Whole Bible 48 Wikipedia

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Though ancient boundaries of such city- (Eshmunazar I, , Eshmunazar II). In 197 centered cultures fluctuated, the city of Tyre BC, Phoenicia along with Syria reverted to the seems to have been the southernmost. Tyre is Seleucids, and the region became increasingly the most thoroughly excavated city of the Hellenized, although Tyre actually became Phoenician homeland. The Phoenicians often autonomous in 126 BC, followed by in traded by means of a galley, a man-powered 111. Syria, including Phoenicia, were seized by sailing vessel. They were the first civilization to king Tigranes the Great from 82 until 69 BC create the bireme. when he was defeated by , and in 65 BC conquered Phoenicia in 539 BC. Pompey finally incorporated it as part of the Phoenicia was divided into four vassal Roman province of Syria. kingdoms by the Persians: Sidon, Tyre, , Cyprus and ; and prospered, furnishing fleets for the Persian kings. Cyprus is an island off the coast of Asia Minor, in the Mediterranean Sea, lying between the Phoenician influence declined after this. Some shores of Syria and Cilicia. It had Syria on the of the Phoenician population migrated to east, Pamphilia on the west, Phonicia on the and other colonies following the south, and Cilicia on the north (according to the Persian conquest, as it is roughly then that we historian Ptolemy). first hear of Carthage as a powerful maritime 49 entity. According to Pliny , it lay to the east and west In 350 or 345 BC a rebellion in Sidon led by of Cilicia, and was opposite Syria, and had been was crushed by III. the seat of nine kingdoms; its circumference was three hundred and seventy miles, and had took Tyre in 332 BC been called by various names; as Acamantis, following the Siege of Tyre. Alexander was Cerastis, Aspella, Amathusia, Macaria, Crypton, exceptionally harsh to Tyre, executing 2000 of and Colinia. On Cyprus were fifteen towns or the leading citizens, but he maintained the king cities, which wcre , Palsepaphos, Curias, in power. He gained control of the other cities Citium, Corineum, Salamis, Amethus, Lapethos, peacefully. The rise of Hellenistic Greece Solce, Tamaseus, Epidarum, Chytri, , gradually ousted the remnants of Phoenicia's Carpasium, and Golgi. According to the same former dominance over the Eastern writer, it was split off from Syria by an Mediterranean trade routes, and Phoenician earthquake; and that part of it which lay to the culture disappeared entirely in the motherland east from Syria is said to be less than a hundred (northern Canaan). However, its North African miles distant from it. offspring, Carthage, continued to flourish, mining iron and precious metals from Iberia, Cyprus’ chief cities were Salamis and Paphos and using its considerable naval power and mentioned in: armies to protect its commercial Acts 13:5,6, “And when they were at Salamis, interests, until it was finally destroyed by Rome they preached the word of God in the synagogues in 146 BC at the end of the Punic (Phoenician) of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. Wars. “And when they had gone through the isle unto As for the Phoenician homeland, following Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false Alexander it was controlled by a succession of prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:” Hellenistic rulers: Laomedon (323 BC), Ptolemy I (320), Antigonus II (315), Demetrius (301), Antioch and Seleucus (296). Between 286 and 197 BC, Antioch on the Orontes (Greek: Αντιόχεια Phoenicia (except for Aradus) fell to the Ptolemies of Egypt, who installed the high η priests of as vassal rulers in Sidon επί Ορόντου or Αντιόχεια η Μεγάλη); {Latin: 49 Pliny, Natural History, 50:5

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Antiochia ad Orontem; or Antiochia dei Siri, Then there were people from Cyrene who were Great Antioch or Syrian Antioch) was an present on the Day of Pentecost to hear the ancient city on the eastern side (left bank) of disciples speaking in their own language. the , located on the site of the Libya – the country between Egypt and modern city of , . (formerly) Carthage. Scene of some of the Antioch was founded near the end of the 4th desert battles of WWII. Cyrene is a Greek century BC by , one of colony founded in Libya. The Greeks of Cyrene Alexander the Great's generals, Antioch was spoke a type of Greek. The rest of the Libyans destined to rival Alexandria as the chief city of spoke a North African language, possibly having the nearer East and to be the cradle of gentile Semitic roots. Christianity. It was one of the four cities of the Syrian tetrapolis. Grecians I will reserve the main discussion of the history NAS says “Greeks”; NIV says “Greeks”; KJV says of Antioch, its place in the , “Grecians”. Antioch as the location of the first Gentile A question here is, who were the people who church, and other interesting things, until the were being evangelized here; were they Jews or notes on Acts 11:26. Gentiles? The answer: they were preaching to Gentile Greek people. preaching the word to the Jews only The difference among English versions arises It was the preaching Christians who journeyed from the fact that some of the top-level Greek to these places, and many others, evangelizing manuscripts of Acts use the word eJllhnisthv~ , primarily the Jews. and others use eJllhvna~ . The KJV was These disciples probably did not know anything translated from a manuscript that has about the events at Cornelius’s house; their eJllhnisthv. The NAS and NIV from eJllhvna~ . dispersion from Jerusalem occurred before that Greeks (eJllhvna~) were non-Jews, Gentile time. It took several decades, actually, for the people who were part of the Greek civilization. transition to the point where both Jews and Gentiles were being evangelized. Grecians (eJllhnisthv~) were Jews who were born and raised in a Greek culture, spoke Greek, Acts 11:20 And some of them were men of and sometimes did not even speak Hebrew (or Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they came to Aramaic). eJllhnisthv~ means, in general, Antioch, spoke unto the Grecians, preaching the “Greek speaking”, so not necessarily ethnic Lord Jesus. Greek, but of the Greek society and culture. In Cyprus Acts, though, the Grecians (eJllhnisthv) were, in particular, Jews who came from the Greek Some of the preachers were Jews who were culture. born in Cyprus (not immigrants). Barnabas was a Cypriot Jew, although he was not one of those Thus, for example, the problem that cropped up who came from Cyprus to Antioch. in Acts 6. There was a continual evangelistic effort going Cyrene on, even in those early days, and this was The Bible speaks of Cyrenians in several places. bringing about a considerable growth in carried the Cross for the Lord numbers in the community of Christians in Jesus on the way to His crucifixion. Jerusalem. Because of the growing persecution, Mark 15:21, ”And they compel one Simon a more and more people were experiencing Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the privation. When a Jew became a Christian, he country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to would be cut off from any help he might receive bear his cross.” from the Jewish community. Widows, for example, who would have received financial

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help from the Temple funds set aside for that The distinction between a Hebrew and a purpose, would have been cut off as soon as it Hellenists was a distinction within the Jewish was found out that they were Christians. nation, not between the Jews and other nations. When money is involved, you can expect that Paul calls himself a “Hebrew of Hebrews,” that there will be controversy, as some people’s is, a Hebrew and of Hebrew parents, speaking expectations are not met. It is very difficult, in Hebrew and following Hebrew customs. any case, to make a fair and equitable In this verse, both Hebrews and Hellenists are distribution. Mistakes will be made; deserving Christian believers, but there is still the line of recipients will be overlooked, and sometimes cleavage between the two groups, which had the undeserving will receive funds. the potential for conflict. Here, there is an added problem. The same A Hellenizer was a Jew who followed Greek lines of division exist among the Christians that philosophy and culture instead of the Jewish characterized their relationships as Jews, religion and practices. namely, that some of them were Hebrews, or Acts 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with Aramean Jews (speaking Aramaic), and others them: and a great number believed, and turned were Jews who came from a Greek culture, and to the Lord. who spoke Greek, Hellenists. As these two types of people were brought together into the hand of the Lord was with them local Christian congregations, the great This is a phrase that is seen a lot in the Old differences between them would cause Testament, when the “hand of the Lord” was considerable problems, at first, until the with the Israelites, for example, in their battles majority could absorb the great Grace doctrines against various enemies. of the Christian life and begin to move away Here, it is a statement of God’s approval of their from their former lives, under the teaching and preaching the Lord Jesus to Greeks. edifying ministry of the Holy Spirit. a great number believed and turned to the “Hebrews” Lord. Any man was a Jew [ijouvdiao~] who could This is a common expression that is used for trace his descent from Jacob. The word “Jew” is Gentiles turning to the true God. This adds to a racial identity. our confidence in the idea that the people being A Hebrew was a Jew who spoke Hebrew and reached for Christ in Antioch were Gentile retained Hebrew customs, following the ancient Greeks. religion closely. Acts 14:13-15, “Then the priest of Jupiter, which The Hebrews whose families had come from was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with Aram were called . This word refers Arameans the people. to Aram, or Padan-Aram, the district of “Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, Mesopotamia surrounding the city of Haran, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among and the territory included the city of Damascus. the people, crying out, th Aram was the 5 son of Shem, Noah’s oldest “And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also son; Haran was the elder son of Terah and are men of like passions with you, and preach unto Abraham’s brother; he was the father of Lot. you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the The Jews from these areas spoke Aramaic living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the (Assyrian), as did the Palestinian Jews of the sea, and all things that are therein:” time of Christ. Parts of the Old Testament were Acts 15:3, 19, “And being brought on their way by written in Aramaic, and Jesus spoke Aramaic. the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: Note: King Ahab fought against Ben-Hadad, and they caused great joy unto all the brethren … king of Aram, whose capital was Damascus.

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“Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not “exhorted” here is the imperf. active of them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to parakalevw , “to encourage; to exhort”. The God:” imperfect tense tells us that Barnabas was 1 Thess. 1:9, “For they themselves shew of us continually teaching the Word of God. what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living cleave unto the Lord and true God;” prosmevnein tw/ kurivw/ Acts 11:22 Then tidings of these things came The word “cleave” is pres. act. infinitive of unto the ears of the church which was in prosmevnw , “to abide; to wait for; to remain Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he attached to”; with the dative of person (tw/ should go as far as Antioch. kurivw), “to remain loyal to”. [Note iota came into the ears of the church at subscript on tw/ kurivw indicating dative.] Jerusalem This concept is one of the key ideas in the That is, “was heard in the ears…” aor. pass. ind. doctrine of Occupation with Christ. of ajkouvw . Sophocles, Electra: “Then, infuriated, she comes up to me and cries;—“Have you not brought this Barnabas upon me? Is this not your doing, since you stole The choice of Barnabas was wise. He already Orestes from my hands and secretly sent him had a position of trust and responsibility in away? Yes—but rest assured that you will be justly Jerusalem, as was shown by his championship punished.” Like this she barks, and in agreement her glorious bridegroom by her side urges her on— of Saul after his conversion (Acts 9:27). As we that total impotent, that utter plague who fights his have seen, he was originally from Cyprus, so he battles with the help of women. probably had personal friends among those But my heart is broken by my suffering as I evangelists who had come to Antioch from constantly wait (prosmevnw ) for Orestes to come Cyprus. He is being sent now to find out what is and end these troubles.” happening in Antioch; presumably he will send ejgw d Ojrevsthn twnde prosmevnou~ ajei pausthr a report back to Jerusalem. ejfhxein hJ ravlain ajpovllumai. Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen In the Bible: the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them “to remain with someone,” all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave Matt. 15:32, “Then Jesus called his disciples unto unto the Lord. him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, Barnabas was overjoyed to see what was because they continue (prosmevnw) with me now happening in Antioch. Many people were being three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not saved and were beginning to experience the send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.” “grace life.” Psalm 118:9 tells us, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord that to trust in princes.” If you take exhorted them all refuge in the Lord, you stop expecting things Barnabas did not raise any questions about from people. Your fellowship with God solves circumcision or about associating with Gentiles. the problems that you have with people, and If he hadn’t understood before that God makes your relationships with people far intended the Gospel to be preached to Gentiles, better. he certainly was convinced of it now, having Acts 11:24 For he was a good man, and full of just heard the report of Peter in Jerusalem. the Holy Spirit and of faith: and many people Barnabas is teaching basic doctrine! These are were added unto the Lord. brand new believers who need to get into a crash program of teaching.

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he was a good man (ajnhvr ajgaqo~) With a history going back 5,000 years Tarsus has long been an important stop for traders to The “ajgaqo~” man is more than just strictly the Orient, a focal point of many civilisations upright or righteous (dikaivo~). The righteous including the Ancient Romans when Tarsus was man may be moral, but he may also be self- capital of the province of Cilicia, scene of the righteous or over strict. About the good man, romance between Mark Anthony and Gloag says: “His benevolence effectually and birthplace of Saint Paul. prevented him from censuring anything that might be new or strange in these preachers to In historical times, the city was first ruled by the Gentiles, and caused him to rejoice in their the Hittites, and then the Persian success.” 50 The ability to rejoice in the work Empire. Tarsos was the seat of a Persian satrapy from 400 BC onward. Indeed and success of others is a mark of “mastery of records that in 401 BC, when the details of life.” marched against , the city was Barnabas did not come to exert authority, but governed by King in the name of the to help believers grow in faith. He is the right Persian monarch. (See Xenophon, The Anabasis) man to promote the development of the church Alexander the Great came through with his 51 in Antioch. armies in 333 BC and came near meeting his full of the Holy Spirit and faith death here after a bath in the Cydnus. By this time Tarsus was already Greek, and as part of many people were added to the Lord the became more and more Ultimately, over several decades, tens of Hellenized; Strabo praises the cultural level of thousands of people became Christians. Church Tarsus in this period with its philosophers, historians say that at one time there may have poets and linguists. The schools of Tarsos been as many as 100,000 believers in Antioch. rivalled Athens and Alexandria. 2 Maccabees The events described in this chapter are the (4:30) records its revolt in about 171 BC beginning of a massive shift of emphasis in against Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who had Christianity, from nearly 100% Jewish renamed the town Antiochia on the Cydnus. In influence, to a predominantly Gentile focus that his time the library of Tarsus held 200,000 is seen at the beginning of the 2nd century. books, a huge collection of scientific works. “Thus doth the building of the Church go Pompey subjected Tasus to Rome, and Tarsus forward, when one doth help another with became capital of the Roman province of Cilicia, mutual consent, and one doth gently allow that the metropolis where the governor resided. To 52 flatter Julius Caesar, it took the name . which another hath begun.” It was here that Cleopatra and Acts 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, to met, the scene of the celebrated feasts they seek Saul: gave during the construction of their fleet. In AD 66, the inhabitants received Roman Tarsus citizenship. When the province of Cilicia was divided, district in Mersin Province, Turkey, 25 km from Tarsus remained the civil and religious theTarsus city (Greek of Mersin Ταρσός) and near is a (40city km)and toa large the city metropolis of Cilicia Prima, a grand city with of Adana. palaces, marketplaces, roads and bridges, baths, fountains and waterworks, a gymnasium on the banks of the Cydnus, a stadium and the church 50 Gloag, Acts 11. of St Paul. Tarsus was later eclipsed by nearby Adana, but remained important as a port and 51 Baker, Acts 11 shipyard. Several Roman emperors were buried 52 Calvin, Acts 11:24

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here; Marcus Claudius Tacitus, Maximinus, and evidently a Gentile who gave believers the Julian the Apostate. name Cristiavno~ , to distinguish them from the Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he Jews, since they were Greeks, not Grecian Jews. brought him unto Antioch. And a whole year 54 they assembled themselves with the church, and It’s not strange that this term came into use taught much people. And the disciples were first here in Antioch; the large Gentile church called Christians first in Antioch. gave occasion for it. Tarsus was not very far from Antioch, perhaps Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets two days’ journey. Barnabas knew Saul well, from Jerusalem unto Antioch. and he knew of Saul’s preaching in Damascus There prophets were Christian believers who and to the Grecian Jews in Jerusalem. “He had had the spiritual gift of prophecy (Acts 4:11). none of the littleness which cannot bear the The word is sometimes used in the New 53 presence of a possible rival.” Testament to refer to “religious leaders, The Lord had definitely called Saul to work instructors sent from God, without particular among the Gentiles; and it is possible that while reference to [their predicting] future events.” 55 he was in Cilicia and Syria he preached to both Acts 13:1, “Now there were in the church that was Hellenes and Hellenists. By whatever means, it at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as is obvious that he had come in his own way to Barnabas, and that was called Niger, and the same place that Peter had reached in , and Manaen, which had been Caesarea, because he is now settles down with brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” Barnabas to a year of intensive teaching, to Judas and Silas are also called prophets. Gentiles. Christ has called Saul; Barnabas Acts 15:32, “And Judas and Silas, being prophets simply put that call into focus. also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.” the disciples were called Christians first at A prophet was a teacher, but in apostolic times Antioch. the spiritual gift of prophecy also meant that A Christian was called Cristiavno~ . This word the prophet was sometimes inspired by God, so was coined by someone in Antioch, who used that he received direct revelation from God. the same pattern that had already been used to Rom. 12:5-8, “So we, being many, are one body in refer to followers of other famous people. The Christ, and every one members one of another. eJrw/diano~ was a follower of Herod; a “Having then gifts differing according to the grace Kaesariano~ was a follower of Caesar. This word that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us was made up like a Latin adjective, although it prophesy according to the proportion of faith; is a Greek word, and it refers to the Hebrew “Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he belief in a Messiah. The name itself is not that teacheth, on teaching; pejorative; it was used only to identify the “Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that people who believed in Christ. giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, Now, the person who came up with this name with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” for believers was not a Jew!. The Jews would not call themselves Christians, because they It seems that Barnabas had at least two spiritual gifts, that of exhortation (from Romans used the word cristo~ to refer to the Messiah. The Jews words for the believers was 12 above), and that of prophet, Acts 13:1 below. “Galileans” or “Nazarenes”. Also, the followers Acts 13:1, “Now there were in the church that was of Christ called themselves disciples, believers, at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as brethren, saints, those of the Way. So it was 54 Robertson, Acts 11:26 53 Furneaux. 55 Barnes, Acts 11:27

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Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Twelve Caesars. [I have an Acrobat Reader Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been version (PDF) of this book, and you can obtain a brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul” copy by request to [email protected].] Acts 11:28 And there stood up one of them During Claudius’ reign, the ancient writers say named , and signified by the Spirit that that there were four different famines. The first there would be great dearth throughout all the famine was in Rome in about 42 AD; the second world: which came to pass in the days of in Greece, said by to have occurred in Claudius Caesar. the 9th year of Claudius reign; the third was a Agabus sever famine, again in Rome, mentioned by Seutonius and Tacitus; and the fourth in Judea. Very little is known about Agabus. There are two references to him in the NT, here, and in The Judean famine is described by Josephus Acts 21. Most probably both passages in Acts (Antiquities 20:2:5). “A famine did oppress refer to the same person, who appears to have them at the time and many people died for the been a resident of Jerusalem. lack of what was necessary to procure food withal. Queen Helena sent some of her servants Tradition makes Agabus one of the seventy-two to Alexandria with money to buy a great disciples (Luke 10:1), and one of the martyrs quantity of grain, and others of them to Cyprus who suffered at Antioch. The Roman to bring a cargo of dried figs.” Martyrology mentions his name on 13 February, while the Greek Church There was a famine during this period, during commemorates him on 8 March. According to the reign of Claudius, and several Roman Acts 11:27-30, Agabus predicted the famine historians talk about it (e.g. Tacitus, Seutonius, which apparently must be identified with that Dio Cassius), and some suggest (the references happening in the fourth year of Claudius, A.D. are vague) that there was a widespread 45. In the year 58 the prophet predicted to St. earthquake during Claudius’ reign, which could Paul his coming captivity, though he could not have caused the famine. convince Paul to stay away from Jerusalem. Acts 11:29 Then the disciples, every man Acts 21:10,11, “And as we tarried there many according to his ability, determined to send days, there came down from Judaea a certain unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: prophet, named Agabus. The warning from Agabus caused the disciples “And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's in Antioch to gather together a large collection girdle ( zwvnh “belt” in NAS and NIV), and bound to send to the Christians who were in need. It his own hands and feet, and said, Thus says the seems, then, that the believers in Judea were Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the under much greater stress than those in man that owns this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.” Antioch. They weren’t rich, but they set aside donations according to their abilities. dearth = livmo~ , “hunger; famine”. This kind of grace giving is mentioned in The meaning of the prophecy is that there several places in the New Testament: Rom. would be a general famine over a large region. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1,2; 2 Cor. 9:1,2; Gal. 2:10. Claudius Eph. 4:28, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the Claudius was the Roman Emperor for 13 years, thing which is good, that he may have to give to from 41 to 54 AD. He succeeded Caligula; and him that needeth.” Nero succeeded him. He was poisoned by his Acts 11:30 Which also they did, and sent it to wife Aggripina, who wanted her son Nero to be the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. the emperor. The “elders” referred to here were not the The best source on the twelve emperors known presbuteroi of the Jewish synagogues, although as the Caesars is the work of Seutonius, The they did have that office. This offering was

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intended for the “brethren” (Acts 11:29), so it Calvin: “This man was incensed to afflict the wouldn’t have been entrusted to Jewish elders. Church, not so much for any love he had for The offering may have been delivered to the religion, as that by this means he might flatter deacons; but we can’t be more certain than to the common people . . . He shed innocent blood, say that the contributions, of whatever kind so that, according to the common craft of kings, they were, were handed over to the responsible he might gratify a furious people.” 56 leadership of the church at Jerusalem, who would have seen to its distribution to all the to vex (NAS: mistreat; NIV: persecute) hard-pressed Christians in Judea. Aorist active infinitive of kakovw from kavko~ Over the last decades of the first century, the “evil”, hence “to do harm, or evil to”. Probably church at Jerusalem became very impoverished. the first who were afflicted were scourged or During his missionary journeys, Paul asked the imprisoned. Gentile churches for donations to help the poor Gloag: “The enemies of the church had now in Jerusalem. The Gentile Christians gave increased in number and influence. At first they generously to the church that was the original were confined to the members of the (human) source of their spiritual blessings. Sanhedrin, and their close associates, especially the . Afterwards, in the persecution ACTS 12 which arose around Stephen, the people and ACTS 12 TOPICAL STUDIES their rulers united; but still the civil power of Herod (The Herodian Family) Rome was not hostile to believers. But now the Roman authority, in the person of the Rome- Roman History appointed king , is combined Roman Army Soldier Training with the ecclesiastical power of the chief priests Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king and the fanaticism of the people.” 57 stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. certain of the church. (NAS, NIV: “some who belonged to the church) About that time Herod Agrippa was intent on getting rid of all of That is, about the time of the famine in Judea; the church leaders who were in his territory, the early part of the year 44 AD, since that is which by now included a very extensive region. the year of Herod Agrippa’s death. Acts 12:2 And he killed James the brother of Herod the King John with the sword. Herod Agrippa I was the grandson of Herod the (NAS and NIV: “he had James … put to death”) Great and king of Palestine for nearly three This is James the son of , who was years, from 42 to 44 AD. called The Elder, as distinguished from James stretched forth his hands the son of . He was one of three disciples who witnessed the raising of Jairus’ NAS: “laid hands on some who belonged to the daughter, who saw the transfiguration and church, in order to mistreat them.” Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. NIV: “arrested some who belonged to the James is the first apostle to be martyred. church, intending to persecute them.” We don’t know why there is so much Herod didn’t personally arrest the believers; information about the death of Stephen and so rather he encouraged his servants and soldiers little about the death of James. Herod likely to abuse Christians, to do things like harass them at their services, beat them up in the streets, and put some of them in jail. 56 Calvin, Acts 12:1 57 Gloag, Acts 12:1

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selected James because he was prominent giving and rejoiced in living in good among the Christians and a leader of the church reputation.” 58 in Jerusalem. He had James killed to please the Jews, and now Jesus prophesied that apostles would be put to he is going to sacrifice the life of Peter as well. death. he proceeded further to take Peter also Mark 10:38,39, But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that Peter was one of the most conspicuous men in I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I the church, and he had already earned the am baptized with? And they said unto him, We hatred of the Jews by his severe and hard- can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed hitting teaching, and by his success in winning drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the people to Christ. It was natural that he would baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be be the next object of attack. baptized:” The Romans had deprived the Jews of the days of unleavened bread power of life and death; but Judea at this time This was the time of Passover. This was a fine Herod’s rule, and he had that power because he time for Agrippa to make some kind of public had been appointed king by the Roman Senate. demonstration of extra zeal against the There would have been a trial, just for Christians. There were crowds of Jews present appearances. There was probably a great (possible a million or more from out of town). clamor of crowds of Jews calling for James’ Acts 12:4 And when he had apprehended him, death, just as there had been at the trials of the he put him in prison, and delivered him to four Lord Jesus. quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending James was probably beheaded. John the Baptist after Easter to bring him forth to the people. was beheaded, too. It was a common enough NAS: “and when he had seized him” form of Roman execution, and would have NIV: “After arresting him…” pleased the Jews even more, because they considered beheading a shameful death. he put him in prison Acts 12:3 And because he saw it pleased the This was Peter’s third imprisonment (cf. Acts Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. 4:35 and 5:18). The first time, Peter and John (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) were released because the Sanhedrin feared that the people would start a riot, because they it pleased the Jews had seen the lame man get healed. In the We see in Josephus that Herod Agrippa badly second imprisonment, the Sanhedrin wanted to wanted to be popular. put the apostles to death, but He gained the favor of the Jews by taking a persuaded them not to try to fight against God. great personal risk to persuade Caligula not This time was even more dire, because Peter to build a statue to himself in Jerusalem. was now in the equivalent of Roman custody. He made Jerusalem his main residence in Judea, In the Roman Empire, imprisonment was and he was strict in his observance of the Mosaic law. usually not considered punishment; prisoners were kept in custody to await trial, which could He relieved the citizens of Jerusalem of the house tax and erected beautiful public result in the prisoner being released, exiled, buildings. scourged, or put to death. He also started the construction of a new wall During the Passover it would have not been around Jerusalem, to render the city proper to have a criminal trial. Herod’s purpose impregnable. Josephus: “This king was by nature very liberal in his gifts and ambitious to oblige people with large donations. He took delight in 58 Josephus, Ant. xix. 7. 3

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would have been to keep Peter in custody until 25th of April is the latest date on which Easter the Passover had ended. 59 can occur. Then he says, “The term Easter, inserted here delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers by our translators, they borrowed from Anglo- Greek: tevssarsi tetradivoi~ stratiwtwn Saxon service books, or from their version of There were four soldiers in a quaternion, so the . there were sixteen soldiers in all. The solders “So we have in Matthew 26:2, ‘Ye know that would take shifts of six hours each, the usual after two days is the feast of the Passover (to Roman custom. In each shift of four soldiers, pasca), but the Anglo Saxon have “Wite ye that two would stand guard on the outside of the aefter twan dagum beoth Eastro.” cell, and two would be with the prisoner, “Other examples occur: Wycliffe used the word chained with him on the left and right. paske, meaning “Passover”, but Tindale, Agrippa had probably heard of Peter’s previous Coverdale, Becke and Cardmarden, following escape, so he was taking no chances this time. the old Saxon mode of translation, inserted “Easter”, whose festival was celebrated by our intending after Easter to bring him forth to pagan forefathers in the month of April; hence the people. that month, in the Saxon calendar is called NAS: “intending after the Passover to bring him Easter month.” out before the people.” “Every view we can take of this subject shows NIV: “Herod intended to bring him out for the gross impropriety of retaining a name every public trial after the Passover.” way exceptionable, and palpably absurd” !! Peter was in the inner, or lower, ward of the Now look at what Albert Barnes (1798-1870) prison, so he would be led up and out to the wrote about this phrase: “There never was a judgment seat where Agrippa would be sitting. more absurd or unhappy translation than this”, According to the strict Jews, it was not and he goes on to provide the same argument considered lawful to defile the feast days with as Clarke’s, almost word for word! executions, and Agrippa was a strict observer of Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but the laws. Recall, however, that the rule was not prayer was made without ceasing of the church observed in the case of the Lord Jesus, who was unto God for him. crucified during the Passover week. The commentator Adam Clarke (1762-1832)got kept in prison totally bent out of shape here over the use of Peter was probably in prison for a few days, the word “Easter” in the King James. since Herod would have waited until the Passover was complete to bring him to trial. Clarke writes 60: “Perhaps there never was a more unhappy, not to say absurd, translation “kept” is ejteereivsw , which means that that in out text. But before I come to “continuously guarded”. explain the word, it is necessary to observe that prayer was made without ceasing out term called Easter is not exactly the same NAS: “prayer for him was being made fervently” with the Jewish Passover. This festival is always held on the 14th day after the first vernal full NIV: “the Church was earnestly praying to God moon …” And he goes on into a detailed for him” explanation of how the Easter date is “without ceasing” is ejktenhv~ , “intense; calculated, ending with the statement that the zealous; instant”. The word signifies both fervor

59 Baker, Acts 12:4 60 Clarke, Acts 12:4

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and earnestness 61, so “earnest” and “without Bound with two chains and the keepers ceasing” are appropriate translations. before the door kept the prison. 1 Peter 1:22, “ Seeing ye have purified your souls One chain was fastened to each of the two in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto soldiers. The soldiers usually took four-hour unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one shifts of this type of prison duty. Of the 16 another with a pure heart fervently (ejktenhv~):” soldiers assigned to this detail, eight (8) were Luke 22:44, “And being in an agony he prayed on duty at one time (the other eight presumably more earnestly (ejktenhv~): and his sweat was as being off duty). Of the eight on duty, four were it were great drops of blood falling down to the stationed in the outer ward of the prison, and ground.” four in the interior. Of these latter, two were This is a severe crisis situation for the chained to Peter. Jerusalem church; James had been executed, Acts 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord and Peter was to be the next victim. They know came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: that Peter will not escape unless God provides and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him some kind of miraculous interference. up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought off from his hands. him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: An angel of the Lord came upon him, and a and the keepers before the door kept the prison. light shined in the prison. “Came upon him” is from When Herod would have brought him forth ejpevsth ejpivsthmi meaning “appeared” (as in NAS and NIV). That is, when Herod “was about to bring Peter This was not a vision that Peter was seeing; it to trial”. Herod’s plan was to bring Peter out was an objective appearance of a messenger before the crowd the next day, have a quick from God, as this whole narrative shows. trial, and have him executed, as he had James. The Greek word for prison (oijvkhma vice Peter was sleeping between two soldiers. fulakh) means “a room, a place, a dwelling” so it This was the Roman method of securing was a reference to Peter’s cell, or the area of the prisoners, to actually chain them to the arms of prison where he was being held. Gill says that soldiers, even during the sleeping hours. Greek writers used this word for prison, for Usually the prisoner was bound to only one example, Herodotus refers to a large building, soldier, but sometimes for greater security, oivkhma mega , used for a temporary holding prisoners were bound to two soldiers. It’s place for prisoners of war who were to be interesting that Herod himself had been bound executed. to soldiers 62for six months in Rome, until he smote Peter on the side, saying, Arise up Tiberius died and Caligula had him released and rewarded. This practice of chaining quickly. prisoners was quite common and was referred “Smote” is patassw “to beat, knock, or strike”. to often by the ancient writers. 63 “Side” is pleura , technically “rib”, but generally the side of anything, including buildings, squares, cubes. Further, this word is used for the square or cube “root” of a number, since the side of a square or cube is equal to the square or cube root. Here, the angel is jabbing Peter in 61 Clarke: Acts 12:5 the ribs to wake him up. 62 Josephus, Ant. xviii. 6.7 And the chains fell off from his hands 63 Gloag, Acts 12:6 Or, wrists.

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Acts 12:8 And the angel said unto him, Gird assigned to Peter. 64 It was indeed a miracle yourself, and bind on your sandals. And so he that Peter and the angel were able to pass did. And he said unto him, Cast your garment undetected. about you, and follow me. the iron gate that leads into the city It’s obvious what is happening here. Peter gets dressed and follows the angel out of the cell. Robertson points out that the article is used three times (resumptively) in referring to the Acts 12:9 And he went out, and followed him; iron gate. It is epiv thn puvlhn thn sidhran thn and wist not that it was true which was done by fevrousan “the gate the iron one the one” the angel; but thought he saw a vision. leading into the city. In his grammar, Robertson Peter left the two soldiers he had been chained says this figure is used to add emphasis to the to. They didn’t wake up; the angel and Peter noun. This iron gate was probably the one that were moving very quietly. opened out into the city street and it would and he did not know that it was true have been both heavily bolted and guarded by soldiers. 65 Peter was really surprised and shocked by this, having woke up abruptly to a very unusual opened of its own accord sight. He was confused for a while, and he didn’t “of its own accord” is aujtomavte, really get out of the fog until he was outside the “spontaneously; of its own accord” (Eng: prison (verse 11). The NIV says, “he did not automatically). The verb “opened” is the aorist know that what was being done by the angel indicative passive of anoigw; the passive was real…” indicates that the door did not open itself but it he though he saw a vision was opened by some outside agent. Imperfect action of blepw, “he kept on thinking they went out and passed on through on one that he was seeing a vision.” But he will soon street, and forthwith the angel left him find out that this was no vision, or trance, but something real. The angel took Peter out of the prison onto one of the narrow streets and then left him. We Acts 12:10 When they were past the first and the have no way of knowing what street it was. If second ward, they came unto the iron gate that the prison was the Tower of Antonia; and this leads unto the city; which opened to them of his was a very secure place indeed, and Peter own accord: and they went out, and passed on would have had to go down a flight of steps through one street; and forthwith the angel from the gate to the city streets. departed from him. Acts 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, past the first and second ward he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord For the word “ward” the NAS and NIV have has sent his angel, and has delivered me out of “guard”. The Greek word is fulakhn, which can the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation have several meanings, depending on the of the people of the Jews. context. It can mean the “act of guarding”, or when Peter was come to himself the “guard” himself. It is also often used to Peter had been awakened abruptly out of his mean “prison”, as a place where a person is put sleep, being poked by the angel and waking up in “ward”, or in custody. And it’s not clear here to an uncommonly bright light shining around which of these ideas is meant. Probably, the him. Then, the chains dropped off his hands and “first ward” means the two soldiers (of the quaternion that was on duty) stationed by the door, and the “second ward” meant some other 64 Robertson, Acts 12:10 soldiers, perhaps part of the two quaternions 65 Robertson, Grammar, page 762

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he got dressed in a daze, thinking that he was and now (5) Mary the mother of . dreaming. He quickly made his escape through This woman was Barnabas’s sister!, from Col. several sets of guards and through an 4:10. impenetrable iron gate, out into the city streets Col. 4:10, “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner in the middle of the night. But when the angel salutes you, and Marcus, sister's son to left him, it became clear to him that his Barnabas .. Jo ahnyio~ Barnaba deliverance was real, and he said to himself, The disciples probably met in Mary’s house Now I know of a surety … regularly, which Peter knew; and he was “Now I know of a truth”. There was no further evidently well acquainted with John Mark, confusion in Peter’s mind about what had whom he later calls his “son” (1 Peter 5;13). At happened. But he was still in great danger, any rate, Peter knew where to go, and even at because the soldiers would soon learn of his this early hour of the morning he hoped to find escape, by 6 AM when the guards would be some disciples. changed, if not sooner. (We will have more to say about John Mark when he is introduced a little later in Acts as from all the expectations of the Jews the missionary colleague of Paul and Barnabas.) James had been put to death, and the Jewish people and leaders were waiting for the where many were gathered together praying execution of Peter like hungry wolves. 66 Not No doubt fervent and desperate prayer was only the Jews who lived in Jerusalem, but the being made. Here were believers praying all whole body of the Jewish nation who were now might for some help from God in these terrible at Jerusalem for the Passover, expected the times. All of the Christians were very fearful; execution of Peter before they returned to their how many more of them would be arrested and cities and countries; but now both they and executed? Herod were disappointed. Remember from Acts 4:23 that the believers Acts 12:12 And when he had considered the were gathered together praying for the apostles who were under the threats of the Sanhedrin. thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother God had rescued Peter then; would He let him of John, whose surname was Mark; where many be put to death, as James had been? were gathered together praying. Acts 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of and when he had considered the thing the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named NAS: when he realized this . NIV: when this had dawned on him Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she from a verb meaning “to perceived; to become opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and aware of”. Peter’s mind was now working told how Peter stood before the gate. overtime and he took in his situation clearly. He knocked at the door decided what to do The door was a gateway or passageway leading the house of Mary the mother of John … into the house. The Greek word can refer to an Mark outer court or to the door itself. The door It’s hard to keep track of all the women named would have been kept shut and locked; these Mary in the New Testament. There were (1) were threatening times, and as we see from Mary the mother of Jesus; (2) Mary of Bethany; Acts 8:3, the Jews continued their pogrom (3) ; (4) Mary the wife of against the Christians. ; Mary the mother of James and ; Acts 8:3, As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 66 Robertson, Acts 12:11

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a damsel came but ran in and told how Peter stood at the The NAS and NIV use “servant girl” (paidiki~). gate The word means “young girl”, but it was used The servant girl seems to be as well accepted in for maidservants as well. Rhoda probably had this household as any member of the family, the the duty to open the door. relationship of Christians with their servants or Deissman refers to an ostracon (piece of broken employees showed the greatest grace mental pottery) which used this word to refer to a attitude. (cf. Titus 2). female slave. 67 Acts 12:15 And they said unto her, You are mad. The French word for young girl is demoiselle, so But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. in polite conversation you would address an Then said they, It is his angel. unmarried young lady as mademoiselle, which Acts 12:16 But Peter continued knocking: and means “my young lady.” (cf also, monsieur my when they had opened the door, and saw him, lord, madame – my lady). The older English they were astonished. word damsel comes from the French, so it is correct here, if old fashioned. You are mad NAS, NIV: “you are out of your mind”. They named Rhoda figured that Rhoda has lost her senses, at least Rhoda means “rose”. Jewish girls were given momentarily. beautiful names, like Dorcas, or Tabitha Festus used the same words to Paul in: (gazelle), (lily), Tamar (palm tree), or Acts 26:24, “And as he thus spake for himself, Esther, called Hadassah (myrtle tree). So in Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, you are beside English we have Myrtle, Rose, Lily, Iris, and yourself; much learning has made you mad.” Dorcas and Tabitha (but not ). gazelle maivnomai be mad, be out of one’s mind, be She knew Peter’s voice insane, opposite σωφρονέω (be of sound Rhoda recognized Peter’s voice. Peter was a mind). Rhoda was obviously very excited, but frequent visitor to this home, in fact it was very the Christian’s in the house were unable to likely a teaching center (read “local church”) for believe that she was being rational. that community. Rhoda, for fear of opening the but she constantly affirmed that it was even door to a stranger, had probably asked him to so identify himself. Peter was not only knocking, Rhoda kept repeating to them that she had then, but calling out as well, in his anxiety to be admitted. heard Peter at the door; nothing they said to her put her off it” 69. she opened not the gate for gladness It is his angel Gladness is cara – “joy” . Here is a “life-like picture of the maid who left Peter standing at This was the next idea that entered their minds, the door” 68 And remember that Peter is in fear that the person knocking was actually Peter’s guardian angel. They were so far from believing of his life, probably thinking that the soldiers that Peter could have been released that they are right behind him. are thinking of the most farfetched alternatives! Clarke: 70 “It was a common opinion among the Jews that every man had a guardian angel (in the it is an article of faith). They

67 Deissman, Light from the Ancient East, p. 200 69 Gill, Acts 12:15 68 Robertson, Acts 12:13 70 Clarke, Acts 12:15

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also believed that angels often assumed the went to another place likeness of people.” Probably Peter left the city. 71 Matt. 10:23, Peter continued knocking “When the persecute you in one city, flee to Peter was in danger, of being recaptured! He another.” was beginning to be impatient. He kept up This would certainly have been prudent. He is knocking at the locked door. back in Jerusalem a few years later, at the Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the council in Jerusalem (Acts 15), which was after hand to hold their peace, declared unto them the death of Agrippa I. how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. The Catholics say that Peter went to Rome, to And he said, Go show these things unto James, found the church there, but there is no and to the brethren. And he departed, and went scriptural support for this. Clarke says, “Those into another place. who can believe anything may believe this.” If he left Jerusalem it’s more likely that he went beckoning with the hand to Antioch; but from the phrase we read in this This was a common signal in those days (as, verse, we can’t really conclude that he left indeed, in our own time), where the speaker Jerusalem at all. In fact one or more Greek indicates by a downward movement of the versions read “he went to another house.” hand that he wants people to be quiet and Luke does not follow the ministry of Peter after listen. Peter was anxious for every precaution this in any detail, as he does the work of Paul. to be taken, and he had very urgent directions We have to glean Peter’s future history from for the brethren. As we see, he spent little time brief mentions in Acts and from some at Mary’s house. He gave his instructions and inferences we might gain from Peter’s own immediately departed. epistles. James and the brethren Acts 12:18 Now as soon as it was day, there was “James (the Lord’s brother) and the brethren” no small stir among the soldiers, what was were not at this meeting, then, at Mary’s house; become of Peter. they were probably gathered at another house. the soldiers There was no large building in Jerusalem where all the believers could meet. All church We will have more to say about the activities, planning sessions, daily gatherings organization of the Roman troops in Jerusalem for teaching and prayer, common meals, were and Judea when we study later chapters, such conducted in people’s homes, with those as Acts 22 to 24, where we are introduced to Christians of Mary’s neighborhood meeting in , the commander of the her house. Augustan cohort. By now James was the leading elder in Within the walls of the Fortress of Antonia 72 Jerusalem, though there were a number of there were barracks for at least a thousand elders (Acts 11:30; 21:18). Paul calls him an apostle (Gal. 1:19), although he was not one of 71 the original twelve. In Acts 15 we will see James Robertson, Acts 12:17 presiding over the Jerusalem council (Acts 72 from The Life and Epistles of St. Paul, Conybeare 15:13). and Howson, chapter 21. “If we were to recount the See Appendix A on an extended discussion of earlier history of the Temple, we might perhaps James, the Lord’s brother, by Paton C. Gloag. identify the tower of Antonia with the palace of which we read in the book of Nehemiah (2:8; 7:2). It was certainly the building which the Hasmonean princes erected for their own residence under the name of .

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soldiers. The whole garrison in Jerusalem was usual quarters of the “whole cohort” (Matt. not always posted there. It is probable that the 27:27), or the greater part of it, were towards the western quarter of the city, in the Praetorium (John 18:28) or official residence Afterwards rebuilt with greater strength and where Jesus was mocked by the soldiers, and splendour by the first Herod, it was named by him in on the pavement in front of which Pilate sat, honour of Mark Antony. Its situation is most and condemned the Lord Jesus Christ. distinctly marked out by Josephus, who tells us that it was at the northwestern corner of the Temple But at the time of the greater festivals, when a area, with the cloisters of which it communicated by vast crowd of people, full of religious fanaticism means of staircases (Acts 21:35, 40). and embittered by hatred of their Roman It is difficult, however, to define the exact extent of rulers, flocked into the Temple courts, it was ground which it covered in its renewed form during found necessary to order a strong military force the time of the Herods. There is good reason for into Antonia, and to keep them under arms, so believing that it extended along the whole northern that they might act immediately and promptly side of the great Temple court, from the in the case of any outbreak. Since Peter was northwestern corner where it abutted on the city, to being held in prison during the time of the north eastern where it was suddenly stopped by Passover, a maximum number of troops would the precipice which fronted the valley: and that the have been immediately available. tank, which is now popularly called the Pool of Bethesda, was part of the fosse which protected it on The Roman Army was at the peak of its the north. Though the ground on which the tower of strength and discipline at this time, and soldiers Antonia stood was lower than that of the Temple stationed in an important city like Jerusalem itself, yet it was raised to such a height, that at least were elite forces. the south eastern of its four turrets commanded a view of all that went on within the Temple, and thus Acts 12:19 And when Herod had sought for him, both in position and in elevation it was in ancient and found him not, he examined the keepers, Jerusalem what the Turkish governor's house is and commanded that they should be put to now, whence the best view is obtained over the death. And he went down from Judaea to enclosure of the mosque of Omar. Caesarea, and there abode. A striking illustration of the connection between the Fortress and the Temple is afforded by the history of he examined the keepers the quarrels which arose in reference to the priestly Herod had all available forces out, looking for vestments. These robes were kept in Antonia during Peter. The search may have taken several days, the time of Herod the Great. When he died, they as it would have been very thorough. When came under the superintendence of the Roman Peter was not found, Herod had a formal Procurator. Herod Agrippa I during his short reign, inquiry conducted into the whole matter of exercised the right which had belonged to his Peter’s escape. grandfather. At his death the command that the Procurator Cuspius Fadus should take the vestments and commanded that they should be put to under his care raised a ferment among the whole death Jewish people; and they were only kept from an outbreak by the presence of an overwhelming force “They should be put to death” is the aorist under , the Governor of Syria. An embassy passive infinitive of ajpavgw which really to Rome, with the aid of the younger Agrippa (Herod means only “to lead away”. In itself, this word Agrippa II), who was then at the imperial court, does not have the connotation of execution or obtained the desired relaxation: and the letter is still death. The word is used in context with other extant in which Claudius assigned to Herod, King of words to refer to leading someone away to Chalcis, the privilege which had belonged to his execution; but alone it does not carry that brother. But under the succeeding Procurators, the relation between the fortress Antonia and the meaning. religious ceremonies in the Temple became more Robertson says that ajpavgw means “led away significant and ominous.” to execution, as in Matt. 27:31”.

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And after that they had mocked him, they took the Disbandment: An entire legion could be robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, disbanded without the customary land and led him away to crucify him.” settlements and pension disbursements. This But the Greek there is “kai ajphgagon aujton eij~ like the others was rarely done and was more to staurwsai... .” translated. It’s the word likely as a deterrent to Legions who may be “crucify” that indicates the execution concept, loyal to a political opponent or group. not the words “to lead away.” For example, the legion I Macriana Liberatrix My conclusion is, after tracing the use of this ("Macer's Liberators"), was formed by Lucius particular verb through many resources of Claudius Macer, rebellious Governor of Africa, Greek language study, that it we don’t have to in 68 AD, to be used against Nero. In the midst assume that the sixteen soldiers assigned to of this year, that came to be known as the Year guard Peter were executed. They could have of the Four Emperors, Galba was one of the men been given some other punishment; and there who took claim to the throne. Galba distrusted were many types of discipline in the Roman Macer and ordered the death of the Legion I army that could have been used. commanding officers and the disbandment of Punishments in the Roman army included: the questionably formed Legion. It was removed from service to the empire without 1. Corporal punishment (castigatio), ever seeing action. 2. monetary fine, (pecunaria multa), 3. added duty (munerum indictio), he went from Judea to Caesarea 4. relegation to an inferior service (militiae There were some special events and games in mutatio), honor of the emperor Claudius, so that’s 5. reduction in rank (gradus deiectio) or probably why he went to the coast. 6. dishonorable discharge from service (missio Acts 12:20 And Herod was highly displeased with ignominiosa). them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one These are all equal enough to any punishment accord to him, and, having made the in a modern army and self-explanatory in the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; cause and effects both on the individual and because their country was nourished by the overall moral and discipline of the ranks. king's country. Execution: The death penalty was rarely used Herod was highly displeased and as a deterrent against desertion, mutiny or NAS: “he was very angry” insubordination. In cases where execution might be considered, factors such as the NIV: “he had been quarreling with the people soldier's length of service, his rank, previous …” conduct, soldier's age, etc. were taken into This is a word qumomavcw originally meant “to account. Special consideration was also given to fight desperately” or “to be enraged” or “to have young soldiers. a hot quarrel”. There is no history record of a Decimation: An extremely rare style of the real war between Herod and the Phoenicians. execution penalty was called decimation and Tyre and Sidon were Roman, but Herod did not would only be used in extreme cases of have any authority there; Phoenicia belonged to cowardice or mutiny. Every tenth man of a Syria, so he would have had to deal with them centuria, cohort or even the entire Legion, diplomatically. randomly chosen by a draw of lots, was killed with them of Tyre and Sidon by being clubbed or stoned to death by the Whatever it was that Herod was angry about, other members of his unit. The effect could be his response would likely have been to put overwhelmingly positive or an absolute some kind of economic restrictions or sanctions disaster. in place, such as preventing these coastal cities

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from receiving supplied from Judea, or closing because their country was nourished by the his own ports to their ships. Caesarea was a king’s country rival of Tyre and Sidon. A reference to commercial interests. This could Also, some years before this, there was a nasty be a direct reference to food products, because dispute between the Sidonians and the citizens Tyre and Sidon, as large commercial cities on of Damascus about the limits of their respective the coast, received large supplies of grain, fruit, territories. Herod was bribed by the leaders in and vegetables from Palestine. If Herod had cut Damascus to use his influence in their favor off the supply to them, that surely would have with Flaccus, the governor of Syria 73, so it’s not caused great concern. unlikely that this was still a contentious issue Acts 12:21-23 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed between Herod and the Phoenicians. in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made they came with one accord to him an oration unto them. And the people gave a The ambassadors of both cities got together shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of and approached Herod about a reconciliation. a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: having made Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the their friend ghost. “Chamberlain” is ὸ ἐ ὶ Herod, arrayed in royal apparel… ton ejpi tou koitwno~ tou basilevw~ There is a full account of Herod’s illness and which means “theτ oneν πin τοchargeυ̂ κοιτ ofω thêνος bedτου ̂ death in Josephus, Antiquities, 17.6 and 19.8. chamber.”βασιλέως Latin: cubicularius; praefectus cubiculi. [ruler of the cubicle.  ] The The set day was the second day of celebration chamberlain was usually the highest ranking in Caesarea in honor of Claudius Caesar. servant of the monarch; he was the chief “Now, when Agrippa had reigned three years steward of the ruler. The emperor Commodus over all Judea, he came to the city Caesarea, relied entirely on his chamberlain for governing which was formerly called Strato’s Tower; and the empire; so did some of the other emperors. there he exhibited shows in honor of Caesar, Blastus is a Roman name; he was probably upon his being informed that there was a retained by Herod when he was in Rome and certain festival celebrated to make vows for his had been with him ever since. safety. A great multitude was gotten together of the principal persons, and such as were of Blastus was undoubtedly persuaded by bribes dignity through his province. to intercede with Herod. This was a common way to accomplish things with people in “On the second day of these shows he put on a authority; e.g. Felix wanted a bribe to release garment made wholly of silver, and of a texture Paul, and when he didn’t get it, he kept him in truly wonderful, and came into the theatre custody. early in the morning; at which time the silver of his garment being illuminated by the fresh Acts 24:25,26, “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, reflection of the sun’s rays upon it, shone out Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this after a surprising manner, and was so time; when I have a convenient season, I will call resplendent at to spread a fascination over for thee. He hoped also that money should have those that looked intently upon him; and been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: presently his flatterers cried out, one from one wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and place, and another from another (though not communed with him.’ for his good), that he was a god; and they added, “Be thou merciful to us; for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a man, 73 Josephus, Antiquities 18.6.3

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yet shall we henceforth own thee as superior to and Caesarea. The revenues that he received mortal nature.” out of them were very great, no less than The people were saying the Herod looked like a twelve millions of drachmae. Yet did he borrow god and spoke like on; this was obsequious great sums from others; for he was so very flattery. It was undoubtedly only the Gentiles liberal, that his expenses exceeded his incomes; who were calling Herod a god, for the Jews and his generosity was boundless.” 75 were not likely to have done so. Acts 12:24 But the word of God grew and the angel of the Lord smote him multiplied. Curiously, this is the same word for “smote” Acts 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from that was used in verse 7 for the angel smiting Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, Peter on the side. Herod was struck with a and took with them John, whose surname was severe affliction, at the age of fifty-four and at Mark. the very peak of his influence and power. The evangelists and Bible teachers were still “Upon this the king did neither rebuke them, hard at work, in spite of the dangers and nor reject their impious flattery. But, as he hardships. The death of Herod may have presently afterwards looked up, he saw an owl brought some measure of relief. He had been a sitting on a certain rope over his head, and great threat to the Christians, and now the immediately understood that this bird was the persecution may have let up a little. Also, the messenger of ill tidings, as it had once been the turmoil surrounding the sudden death of the messenger of good tidings to him; and fell into king, and all the activities associated with the the deepest sorrow. A severe pain also arose in transfer of power, may have taken some of the his belly, and began in a most violent manner.” attention away from the disciples. 74 ACTS 13 he was eaten of worms he gave up the ghost ACTS 13 TOPICAL STUDIES (died) Baptism This is not an uncommon descriptions of some Barnabas forms of disease in ancient times. Herodotus Cyprus described the Queen of Cyrene as having Genealogy of Jesus Christ worms which ate her flesh while she was still Holy Spirit, Filling of the alive. This could also refer to some form of Jewish System cancer, which in those days might have been Jewish Teaching, Sabbath mistaken for worms. Jewish Teaching, Torah “And when he had been quite worn out by the Justification pain in his belly for five days, he departed this Legalism life, being in the fifty-fourth year of his age, and Pilate in the seventh year of his reign; for he reigned Preaching four years under Caius Caesar, three of them Proselytes were over Philip’s tetrarchy only, and on the Repentance fourth he had that of Herod added to it; and he Resurrection of Christ reigned besides those, three years under the Roman Provincial System reign of Claudius Caesar: in which time he reigned over the aforementioned countries, and Synagogues also had Judea added to them, as also Samaria Talmud, Shabbat, Origins, Structure

74 Josephus, Antiquities, 19.8 75 ibid.

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Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church at (Eph. 4:11); in his view, a person fills one office Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as that has a dual function. Further, in the same Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and passage, he places the prophets in a separate Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been category, which is listed after than of brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. apostleship…Luke described both Barnabas and Paul as teachers in the Antioch church (Acts This chapter starts the second part of the Acts 11:26), but here he [leaves the distinctions] of the Apostles; and chapters 13 and 14 provide 77 the history of the Apostles’ first missionary unresolved.” journey. Barnabas Up to now, Luke has given an account of Barnabas is well known to us by now. You can Christianity in general, with many different refresh your memory about this stalwart of the personalities (evangelists, teachers, converts) faith by reference to: being discussed. From now on the narrative is devoted almost exclusively to the missionary Topic: Barnabas efforts of the apostle Paul. The church is seen here in a new and important aspect as an active, dynamic missionary church. The consensus of Bible scholars seems to be Previously, the Gospel had been given out, it that the name “Niger” was given to this man seems, by informal, unorganized efforts, and because of his complexion or origin in North through casual occurrences. The persecution at Africa, although it seems that “Niger” was a Jerusalem, and in Judea, had caused a common enough surname in the Roman world. considerable dispersion of Christians, along The Greek word does mean “black”, so Simeon with the diffusion of their opinions. But now the might have been one of the evangelists who church at Antioch is the center of operations, came to Antioch from Cyrenia (Acts 11:20) taking the lead, planning and executing Lucius of Cyrene organized efforts to extend the gospel to the 76 Lucius was definitely from Cyrenia, although rest of the world. this is all we know about him. certain prophets and teachers Manaen, which had been brought up with All the prophets were teachers, but not all Herod the tetrarch teachers were necessarily prophets who made The phrase “had been brought up with” comes predictions about the future. We can’t tell from from the Greek suntrovfo~, meaning “raised in this verse just which of these five named men the same family; brought up with”. which were prophets or teachers. Herod the tetrarch was the son of Herod the We know that prophets came to Antioch from Great who ruled the provinces of Galilee and Jerusalem (Acts 11:27), after Barnabas and Saul Perea; he also was responsible for the had been teaching there for a while; and by this beheading of John the Baptist. At the time the time there were many evangelists, teachers, missionaries were being set out from Antioch, prophets, and apostles, who were associated Herod was in exile in Lyons. with the extended Antioch church. The historical record is speculative as to the Baker: “From the Greek we are unable to relationship of Manaen with this Herod. Some discern whether the words prophets and think that Manaen’s mother was Herod’s nurse, teachers signify two separate offices, or if a when he was a baby, and that the two boys person can be both prophet and teacher. Paul, grew up together, at least in their young for example, speaks of “pastors and teachers”

76 Gloag, Acts 13:1 77 Baker, Acts 13:1

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childhood. Since this Greek word is also used exhortation, fellowship, and prayer, beginning for “foster brother”, this is plausible. in the days immediately following the day of Josephus mentions a Manaen, belonging to the Pentecost. Essene sect, who, when Herod the Great was a Acts 2:46,27, And they, continuing daily with one child, predicted that he would be King of the accord in the temple, and breaking bread from Jews, and that Herod, when he became king, house to house, did eat their meat with gladness favored the Essenes on this account. Therefore, and singleness of heart, it has been conjectured that this Manaen must Praising God, and having favor with all the people. have been a considerable person in Herod’s And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. court, and that his son, the younger Manaen, 78 The Christian community at Antioch was would have been brought up with Herod. engaged in one united act of prayer, meditation, Saul fasting, and exhortation, probably accompanied by celebrating the Lord’s Supper. …shortly to begin his mission to the Gentiles and to receive the name Paul. and fasted Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and The Jews fasted regularly, usually on two days fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me per week, and the Christians may have found Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I this quite appropriate to accompany their own have called them. worship. When Paul and Barnabas chose the elders for the local churches, we see that they As they ministered to the Lord fasted also. The word for ministered here is leitourgevw, Acts 14:23, And when they had ordained them from which we get the English word “liturgy”. elders in every church, and had prayed with This word had a number of meanings in a fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on variety of circumstances: 79 whom they believed. Fasting was not mandatory for Christians, but it • A civil service, especially in the technical language of Athenian law. was part of their habit at this time. • A function of any kind, even as of bodily the Holy Spirit said organs. “How this revelation was made, whether by the • Priestly ministrations, both among Jews mouth of some of the prophets who were and among the heathen. present or by the impulse of a simultaneous • The Eucharistic services and general inspiration, whether the route to be taken by Barnabas and Saul was at this time • Set forms of divine worship precisely indicated, and whether they had The word was commonly used in the previously received a conscious personal call, of Septuagint for the service performed by the which this was the public ratification, it is priests who served in the Tabernacle. useless to inquire. A definite work was pointed Here, Luke uses the word for the first time in out as now about to be begun under the counsel reference to the Christian practice of worship, of God, two definite agents in this work were with emphasis on ministering “to the Lord”. publicly singled out, and we soon see them sent The Jews had special days set apart for fasting forth to their arduous undertaking, with the and prayer, but we are now familiar with the sanction of the church at Antioch.” 80 Christian’s practice of getting together daily for The most likely means the Holy Spirit used was to communicate this revelation through one of 78 Josephus, Antiquities, 15.10 79 Vincent, Acts 13:2 80 Conybeare and Howson, Chapter 5

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those with the prophetic gift, such as Agabus, Here in Antioch, the whole church was involved who was likely present there. in sending Paul and Barnabas on their missionary trip. Separate Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them and laid their hands on them Both Barnabas and Saul had been called to the This was not an ordination to a ministry, as it ministry long ago, and had proved to be useful was in Acts 14 or Acts 6. and active in such work; but this call is to the Acts 6:5,6 special campaign among the Gentiles. 81 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and We are curious about many things concerning they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the this project, but we have very few answers. Holy Spirit, and Philip, and , and John Mark went with them, but there’s no , and Timon, and , and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: information about how he was chosen. Was he selected because of his reputation, or relation Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. to Barnabas? Paul and Barnabas were already seasoned How did the church, or Paul and Barnabas, apostles, exercising their gifts of teaching and decide on where they would go on their other ministries. This time, the hands that were travels? laid on them were consecrating them to the How was the project funded? We know that great project which was laid before them. They Barnabas was well-to-do; and we have hints were being appointed to a particular field of that Paul had means, as we see Felix expecting a labor; and the blessing of God was being bribe from him, in the later chapters. requested for them. Acts 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. In addition, it was a testimony of the fact that Paul and Barnabas were not taking on some When they had fasted and prayed sort of private venture, but were accredited This is an occasion of great importance and messengers of the church at Antioch. seriousness. Paul and Barnabas conducted a The book of Acts records mostly the work of similar deeply significant ceremony in Paul, and those that were directly associated ordaining elders in Asia Minor. with him, such as Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Titus, etc. However, many other missionaries Acts 14:21-24 were working in every direction. For example, And when they had preached the gospel to that Paul speaks of Peter and other apostles as city, and had taught many, they returned again to having received maintenance as evangelists. Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and Acts 13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we Spirit, departed unto Seleucia; and from there must through much tribulation enter into the they sailed to Cyprus. kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every being sent forth by the Holy Spirit church, and had prayed with fasting, they It is emphasized here that this mission planning commended them to the Lord, on whom they began with God the Father, communicated by believed. the Holy Spirit. So, Paul is later able to say that And after they had passed throughout , they he has been sent “not from men, nor by man, came to . but by Jesus Christ and God the Father.” (Gal. 1:1), all three persons of God being involved. 81 Robertson, Acts 13:2

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departed unto Seleucia greater part of its circumference of four Seleucia was named after Seleucus Nicanor, the miles the city was protected by its natural king of Egypt, who built of the city and fortress position. in about 300 BC. It was the first city of Syria “The harbor and mercantile suburb were on after leaving Cilicia, and was established at the level ground towards the west; but here, as mouth of the Orontes river. Paul and Barnabas on the only weak point at Gibraltar, strong only stopped here to get ship transportation to artificial defenses had made compensation Cyprus. for the deficiency of nature. In the time of the apostles, the Orontes river “Seleucus, who had named his metropolis in was navigable up to Antioch, so people have his father’s honor, gave his own name to always wondered whether Paul and Barnabas this maritime fortress; and here, around his went overland or by riverboat to Seleucia. tomb, his successors contended for the key Overland it was only about 16 miles, less than a of Syria. “Seleucia by the Sea” was a place day’s walk. The river trip would have been of great importance under the Seleucids about 40 miles, taking longer but having the and the Ptolemies; and so it remained advantage of having a restful boat trip. under the sway of the Romans. Conybeare and Howson, Chapter 5 “In consequence of its bold resistance to “The Orontes comes from the valley Tigranes, when he was in possession of all between Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon, and … the neighboring country, Pompey gave it flows on continually to the sea. Its waters the privileges of a free city, and a are not always clear, but they are deep and contemporary of St. Paul speaks of it as rapid. … They wind round the bases of high having those privileges still [at the time of and precipitous cliffs, or by richly cultivated Paul’s visit].” banks where the vegetation of the South, they sailed to Cyprus the vine and the fig tree, the myrtle, the bay, On a clear day in Seleucia, the apostles would the ilex, and the arbutus, are mingled with have been able to see the coastline and dwarf oak and English sycamore. mountains of Cyprus. The voyage across the “If Barnabas and Saul came down by water water would take less than a day. Cyprus was from Antioch, this was the course of the Barnabas’ birthplace, so he had intimate boat which conveyed them [a distance by knowledge of the people and culture there. water of about 40 miles]. If they traveled “Four reasons at least can be stated, which the [15 to 18 miles] by land, they crossed may have induced the apostles, in the the river at the north side of Antioch, and exercise of a wise discretion, to turn in the came along the base of the Pierian hills by a first instance to this island. It is separated route which is now roughly covered with by no great distance from the mainland of fragrant and picturesque shrubs, but which Syria; its high mountain summits are easily then doubtless was a track well worn by seen in clear weather from the coast near travelers, like the road from the Piraeus to the mouth of the Orontes; and in the Athens, or from Ostia to Rome. summer season many vessels must often “Seleucia [was] a fortress and a seaport. It have been passing between Salamis and was situated on a rocky eminence which is Seleucia. Besides this, it was the native the southern extremity of an elevated range place of Barnabas (Acts 4:36). Since the of hills projecting from Mount Amanus. time when “Andrew found his brother From the southeast, where the ruins of the Simon, and brought him to Jesus,” (John Antioch Gate are still conspicuous, the 1:41,42) and the Savior was beloved in the ground rose towards the northeast into house of “ and her sister and high and craggy summits, and round the Lazarus,” (John 9:5) the ties of family

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relationship had not been without effect on Jews welcomed Paul and Barnabas when they the progress of the Gospel. arrived at the port.84 “It could not be unnatural to suppose that The ancient writers say that the city was built the truth would be welcomed in Cyprus by Teucer, the son of Telamon, after his return when it was brought by Barnabas and his from the Trojan war, which dates the city from kinsman Mark to their own connections or before 1000 BC. The famous philosopher Solon friends. Moreover, the Jews were numerous was born here. He died on the island, but when in Salamis (Acts 13:5). By sailing to that city he was about 80 years old he had demanded they were following the track of the that his bones be carried to Salamis so that his synagogues. Their mission, it is true, was ashes could be scattered about his native chiefly to the Gentiles, but their surest country. course for reaching them was through the The people of Cyprus also claimed that Salamis medium of the Proselytes and the was the birthplace of Homer. When the Hellenistic Jews. To these considerations Emperor Constantine took power, Salamis was we must add that some of the Cypriotes renamed ; and when the Turks got it were already Christians. No one place out of into their hands, the name was changed again Palestine, with the exception of Antioch, to Famagusta, the name it has today. had been so honorably associated with the work of successful evangelization. (See Acts In the Fifth Century BC there were two major battles between the Greeks and the Persians 4:36, 9:19,20; 21:16)” 82 which were called the Battle of Salamis. The Acts 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they first was the very decisive naval battle of preached the word of God in the synagogues of Salamis of 480 BC which took place in the the Jews: and they had also John to their waters between the port of Piraeus (Athens) minister. and the island of Salamis, which lies close to land in the . After the Persian when they were at Salamis invasion of Greece, and the defeat of the Salamis was one of the chief cities of Cyprus at Spartans at Thermopylae, the Persians were the time. At an earlier time, it had been the laying waste to the countryside, and the citizens capital of Cyprus, but in Roman times the of Athens were starting to evacuate the city. But capital was moved to Paphos, possibly because the Greek naval victory at Salamis forced the the harbor at Salamis had silted up. Persian fleet to retreat and led to the Greek’s Salamis was large city, a harbor town on the victory. east coast of Cyprus, in the middle of a In 450 BC the Greeks and the Egyptians were widespread plain with grain fields and fighting another war with invading Persians. orchards83; and it was a trading center where The Persian fleet consisted of naval forces from merchants from Cilicia, Syria, Phoenicia, and Phoenicia and Cilicia; and these were defeated Egypt traded olive oil, wool, wine, and grain. by the Greeks in a battle near the city of Salamis This port city attracted a large number of in Cyprus. Jewish people who were merchants, and they Another Battle of Salamis in Cyprus of 306 BC had established several synagogues there. The was a naval battle between the fleets of Demetrius I of Macedon and Ptolemy I of Egypt. they preached in the synagogues Note the plural, “synagogues”. There were a lot 82 Conybeare and Howson, Chapter 5, Departure of of Jewish people in Salamis, and probably some Barnabas and Saul 83 ibid, Salamis 84 Baker, Acts 13:5

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Christians among them. The emperor Augustus area and the well-attended heathen worship had made a present to Herod the Great of half ceremonies year around in the city. All of the of the revenue of the copper mines of Cyprus, in and the whole city were destroyed by order that Herod might settle a lot of Jewish earthquakes on more than one occasion, and families on Cyprus. now little is seen. In the reign of the emperor , from 98 to In Greco-Roman times Paphos was the island's 117AD, a Jewish resurrection broke out and the capital, and it is famous for the remains of the whole island of Cyprus fell into the hands of the Roman Governor's palace, where extensive, fine Jews. The history of this event says that the mosaics are a major tourist attraction. It was Jews killed more than 250,000 Gentile people; the residence of the proconsul. [The 21st and when the revolt was finally put down by century capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, close to the the Roman legions, Jews were forbidden to set center of the island, and is known as the last foot on the island, on pain of death.85 divided capital in Europe, having its administration and territory divided between they had John to their minister Greece and Turkey.] That is, “they had John as their attendant.” The Paul and Barnabas had to travel about 110 word “minister” is a navy designation miles to travel from Salamis to Paphos. uJphrevth~, which literally “under rower”, but used generally to mean “servant” or “helper”. At they found a certain sorcerer, a false this time John Mark was a young man, prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus Barnabas’ nephew, who was traveling as their The word magon does not by itself mean helper. He “provided for them the necessaries “sorcerer”, but merely “magician” or “wise of life.” 86 While Paul and Barnabas were man”. It’s the same word used for the three ministering the Word of God, John Mark wise men who came to Jesus’ birthplace. We ministered to them. find out who this man is by the description “a false prophet.” Acts 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a We can compare this Jewish con man with false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9,11), or the seven sons of , Jewish exorcists who tried to when they had gone through the isle to imitate Paul, who are described in Acts 19. Paphos Acts 19:11-16 Paphos is a coastal city in the southwest of Cyprus and the capital of Paphos District. In And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: ancient times, two locations were called So that from his body were brought unto the sick Paphos: Old Paphos and New Paphos. The handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed currently inhabited city is New Paphos. There from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. was probably no town in the world more Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took dissolute than Paphos upon them to call over them which had evil spirits The Greeks said that Paphos was the birthplace the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure of the goddess Aphrodite (Venus), and they had you by Jesus whom Paul preaches. built up the area as an important worship And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, center. Paphos was also the name of a god, the and chief of the priests, which did so. mythical son of Pygmalion, so there was And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I another reason for all of the temples built in the know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on 85 them, and overcame them, and prevailed against Vincent, Acts 13:5 them, so that they fled out of that house naked and 86 Gill, Acts 13:5 wounded.

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Reference: Greek Divination: A Study of its Sergius Paulus was a very high ranking official Methods and Principles, by W. R. Halliday with extensive responsibility and authority (1913). Deals with how auspices and haruspices over the province of Cyprus. were used, e.g. Xenophon in Anabasis. Topic: Sergius Paulus\ Acts 13:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who The book of Acts makes these distinctions plain. called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear For example, Luke speaks of Gallio as the the word of God. proconsul of Achaia (:12), and we know that Achaia was a senatorial province. Neither the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus Felix nor Festus were called proconsul or The word deputy is ajnqupavto~, “proconsul” propraetor. They served as deputy-governors of [see in both NAS and NIV]. the propraetor of Syria; and the term used for For a long time Bible scholars criticized Luke them is hJgemwvn, which is a common term for using this term, on the grounds that Cyprus used for “governor”. was a province under the appointment of the a prudent man emperor, which would have a chief executive The word “prudent” ( ) here means called a propraetor, not a proconsul, so Luke sunetov~ “intelligent; wise; learned”. [NAS: a man of should have used the term ajntistravthgo~ intelligence; NIV: an intelligent man]. He instead of ajnqupavto~. That would have been seemed to have an inquiring mind, willing to true in 30BC, but in 25BC Cyprus was put under get information from any source. He wanted the control of the Senate, thus making the specifically to hear the Word of God taught by island governor a proconsul. Two inscriptions Barnabas and Saul. have been found with the dates AD 51 and 52, with the names of proconsuls of Cyprus; the called for Barnabas and Saul inscription found at has the name “Paulus”, Barnabas is named first here, and some undoubtedly this man, Robertson says. 87 commentators think that the order in which names are listed in Bible passages indicates the Topic: Roman Provincial System relative importance of the people. So that, In those days, the Romans sent two kinds of when, from now on, Paul is most often named governors into the provinces. Some of the first, before Barnabas, or Silas, for example, it provinces were under the direct control of the means that he was the leader in the situation. emperor; into those were sent men who had Now, in the listing of Acts 13:2, Saul is named filled the office of praetor in Rome, who were last, which by this theory mean that he was now called propraetor (ajntistravthgo~) in a ranked not only under Barnabas but also under provincial office. The propraetor had military the other three men named, Simeon, Lucius, units under his command, and he held his office and Manaen. But it is not likely that Saul had as long as the emperor wanted him there. such a low place among those five men, his Other provinces belonged to the SPQR, the having already had a considerable ministry in Senate and people of Rome, and into those they the . send proconsuls, men who had been consul for Barnabas may have been acquainted with a year in Rome (the office second only to the Sergius Paulus, or he was at least a native emperor), and were now appointed proconsul. citizen of Cyprus, and thus would possibly have He had no military power, and usually only been named first in the invitation they received served for a year; but he could be extended each year as long as the Senate voted for it. desired to hear the Word of the Lord We see in verse 12 that Sergius was captivated by the “doctrine of the Lord”, however much he 87 Robertson, Acts 13:7

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may have been impressed with having seen Acts 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) Elymas staggering off blind. Here is positive filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him, volition at the point of God consciousness. Saul, who is also called Paul Acts 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his Some commentators hold that it was Sergius name by interpretation) withstood them, Paulus who gave Paul this Roman name, as a seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. sort of honor from a high ranking official. But Elymas the sorcerer … withstood them However, against this idea is the likelihood that Elymas persisted in his opposition; he knew he Paul had always had both names, and was not could lose his great prize, the sponsorship of just now being given a new name. Sergius Paulus, so he made every effort to Among the Jews the name Saul was naturally discredit Barnabas and Saul. used up to this point, but from now on Luke “Withstood” is ajnqivsthmi, which means “to set uses Paulus, except on occasions when there is against”. This may indicate a public debate or a reference to his previous life (Acts 22:7; even argument between Elymas and the 26:14). 91 Moreover, he was quite proud of the apostles. fact that both he and King Saul were of the tribe The name Elymas is the interpretation of the of Benjamin (Phil. 3:5). word mago~, not another form of BarJesus. His real career now, however, is among the Clarke points out that both Elymas and mago~ Gentiles, and Paul would be the name used by are Asiatic words, though not Hebrew or them; so it’s proper for the narrator of his life to Greek88. He points out that in Persian mogh make the change here. means “an idolater, or a worshipper of fire, and filled with the Holy Spirit “Elymas” is from the Arabic , which alama A. T. Robertson wonders why the Holy Spirit for means “wise; skilled”, hence, a doctor or this “emergency” rather than Barnabas, when learned man. 89 Barnabas was named first in Acts 13:2. 92 Whatever the derivation of his name, Elymas However, we understand, from the doctrine of was trying desperately to hold onto his job in the Filling of the Holy Spirit, that any believer in the court at Paphos. The job might only last a fellowship, in the Church Age, is controlled by year, as that was the usual term of appointment the Holy Spirit and in full exercise of his of a consul, but he certainly would expect spiritual gifts. This statement emphasizes that Sergius to recommend him to the next man to Paul was fully in fellowship with the Lord for hold the office. 90 this vital activity. seeking to turn away the deputy from the Topic: Holy Spirit, Filling of faith. set his eyes on him “to turn away” is the Greek word diastrevfw, “to Paul concentrated his attention directly on turn different ways; to twist; to distort or Elymas and confronted him with all of the force pervert.” This is the work of a false prophet; of the power of God. this man was directly in the path of God’s grace, and God arranged for him to be removed from Acts 13:10 And said, O full of all deceit and all the scene very quickly and dramatically. mischief, you child of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the 88 Clarke, Acts 13:8 right ways of the Lord? 89 See also Gloag on Acts 13:8 91 Robertson, Acts 13:9 90 See also Conybeare and Howson, Chapter 5, Elymas Barjesus 92 ibid

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NAS: “and said, "You who are full of all deceit and there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all went about seeking some to lead him by the righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked hand. the straight ways of the Lord?” NIV: "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of the hand of the Lord is upon you everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of Compare this situation with the similar one deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting with Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8. We noticed the right ways of the Lord? that Simon was crushed by the very stern O full of all subtlety and all mischief warning that Peter gave him, which indicated “Subtlety” = dolou , which is from an ancient that he was in line for the sin unto death. word meaning “to catch with bait”. It means Acts 8:5-24. “trickery”. Used in verses e.g.: We see that Simon repented and asked Peter to Matt. 26:4, “And consulted that they might take pray for him, and he was spared the bad things Jesus by subtlety, and kill him.” that might have happened to him. Elymas did Mark 7:22, “Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, not respond positively to Paul’s warnings and deceit (dolou), lasciviousness, an evil eye, came under the hand of the Lord. blasphemy, pride, foolishness: Mark 14:1, “After two days was the feast of the thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a Passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief season priests and the scribes sought how they might take This drastic measure was designed to try to him by craft (dolou), and put him to death. center Elymas’ attention on the Lord. You recall Paul denounces Elymas as a crafty trickster. that Paul himself had been struck with “All mischief” = “all villainy”. Also used in blindness, which lasted for three days, and it for “levity” and “unscrupulous”. was part of the Lord’s plan for convincing him of the truth. Elymas has a similar opportunity to thou child of the devil repent. The main objective was Elymas’ The devil is diabolo~, a slanderer, and Paul uses conversion; a secondary objective was to it here with great condemnation, as the Lord remove him from the place where he could do Jesus used it of the Pharisees in: evil. John 8:44, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer there fell on him a mist and a darkness from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, “mist” is ajkluv~ . This word was used in Greek because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a to refer to the mist over a person’s eyes as he , he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the lay dying, or of the mental condition of a person father of it.” who is not able to recognize people or his thou enemy of all righteousness surroundings. Elymas was the “personal enemy of all justice.” The word “darkness” is skoto~, which means “darkness or gloom”, but it is also used for the will you not cease to pervert the ways of the “darkness of death” or of blindness itself. Lord Note the use of the verb form skotovw in Acts Another use of the word diastrevfw , “to distort; 4:17, 18, in a description of the “walk” of the to pervert”. See notes on verse 8. This is a “other Gentiles” , where Paul was warning the crushing question from Paul, summing up all of Ephesians not to allow themselves to fall back the categorical condemnation that he has laid into. on Elymas. Acts 4:17,18, “This I say therefore, and testify in Acts 13:11 And now, behold, the hand of the the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having seeing the sun for a season. And immediately the understanding darkened (skotovw), being

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alienated from the life of God through the Then the deputy, when he saw what was ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness done, believed of their heart: The proconsul was astonished at the “doctrine seeking someone to lead him by the hand of the Lord”, rather than at the miracle. He saw This is the same verb used of Paul in Acts 9:8, what had happened to Elymas, which was proof who was led by the hand by his travelling that the doctrine was true; this focused his companions, until he was safe in the house of attention on the message of Barnabas and Paul. Judas in Damascus. “Believed” is aorist active indicative of pisteuw. Of this miracle, Gloag says 93 that “Paul struck Rom. 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and Elymas with blindness because he felt inspired hearing by the word of God.” to perform that miracle.” And Origen says, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord “Paul, by a word striking him blind, by anguish “Astonished” is the present passive participle of converted him to godliness.” 94 ejkplhvssw, of which the first meaning is “to However, there is nothing in this text to strike out of; to drive away,” hence, “to drive indicate that Paul was the agent of the out of one’s senses; to astound”. miraculous punishment of Elymas. The most We don’t hear any more about Sergius Paulus, that can be said is that the Lord revealed to although legend about him says he left the Paul what was going to happen, and he made a Roman government, traveled with Paul to prediction (prophesy) based on that realization. Spain, and eventually became the bishop of Compare the episode in Acts 5, in which both Narbonne, in the Languedoc region of Gaul. Ananias and his wife Sapphira died the sin unto We also don’t know if any other people death in the presence of the apostle Peter. accepted Christ in Paphos. However, there is Again, it is not stated that Peter was the agent good evidence that a church was started there, of Ananias death, only that the man died in his because in the 4th century, at the council of Nice, presence. True, Peter did predict to Sapphira Cyril, the bishop of Paphos, was present; and that she was going to die, but there’s nothing in there were bishops from Paphos at several the text to indicate that he performed a miracle succeeding church councils. of punishment. Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company And whatever information Origen might have loosed from Paphos, they came to in had about the further career of Elymas, whether he became a believer, lived for the Pamphylia: and John departing from them Lord, etc., the historical evidence is lost. returned to Jerusalem. Acts 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what Paul and his company loosed from Paphos was done, believed, being astonished at the oiJ peri Paulon, “those around Paul”. It means “a doctrine of the Lord. man and his followers”. 95 From here on, Paul ranks first in Acts, except in Acts 14:2 and 15 12,25, for special reasons. Paul, Barnabas, John Mark, possibly accompanied by other believers, “set sail” from Paphos to go to the mainland. 93 Gloag, Acts 13:11 94 Origen (born about 185, died about 254) was an early Christian scholar, theologian, and one of the most distinguished of the early fathers of the Christian Church. He is thought to have been an Egyptian who taught in Alexandria. 95 Robertson, Acts 13:13

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they came to Perga in Pamphylia Apparently Barnabas was not offended by John Paul is now setting the project’s agenda, it Mark’s leaving, because he was certainly eager seems, and he leads them to the port city of to have him as a colleague on a future Perga, intending to go into the highlands to missionary endeavor. Antioch in Pisidia. It’s possible that they only There were certainly real dangers to be faced, reason Perga is mentioned is that it was the of which John Mark would have been well closest port to Paphos, the distance was not aware; and if he did not have the express calling great, and there would have been plenty of of the Holy Spirit as his primary motivation, he shipping available. understandably could have been very nervous Pamphylia was a small district, along the shores about proceeding. Of course, Paul would not of the Mediterranean, east of Cilicia. Under the have been at all sympathetic with that. Romans, after the battle of Actium, when “Perils of rivers” and “perils of robbers” – Augustus Caesar divided up the provinces, these words express the very dangers Pamphylia became an imperial province, which St. Paul would be most likely to governed by a propraetor . In Paul’s day, during encounter on his journey from Perga in the reign of Claudius, it was united with Pamphylia to Antioch in Pisidia. The lawless and Pisidia into a considerably large Roman and marauding habits of the population of province. Later in time, it was united also with those mountains which separate the table . land in the interior of Asia Minor from the Perga is the capital city, about seven miles plains on the south coast were notorious in upstream from the mouth of the river ; all parts of ancient history. Strabo uses and it was most famous for its great temple of strong language both of the Isaurians who Diana of Perga. (See Tacitus, Annals of Imperial separated from Cilicia, and of Rome, on the subject of building temples in their neighbors the Pisidians, whose native provinces) fortresses were the barrier between and Pamphylia. We have the same Pamphylia was a haven for pirates. Pirate character of of these robber tribes in activity on the Mediterranean was the terror of Xenophon, who is the first to mention them; the ancient world until the Romans finally wore and in Zosimus, who tells us of the them down. Even then, these people, along with adventures of a robber chief who defied the Cretans and others, added greatly to the threat Romans and died a desperate death in these the life, limb, and property. mountains. 96 Paul and Barnabas did not stay in Perga long, perhaps with good reason as the region was Xenophon has Socrates say to : “Well, notorious for mosquitoes and malaria. and have you ever heard tell of the Mysians and Pisidians living within the territory of the great John, departing from them, returned to king, who, inside their mountain fortresses, Jerusalem lightly armed, are able to rush down and inflict We don’t know why John Mark left the group to much injury on the king's territory by their return to Jerusalem. Some commentators raids, while preserving their own freedom?” 97 suggested that he was ill, perhaps having Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, contracted malaria; but that doesn’t explain they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into why Paul was so displeased with him that he refused to take him along on another journey (Acts 15:35-39). In fact, disagreement over this matter caused a breach between Barnabas and 96 Conybeare and Howson, chapter 6, Mark’s Return Saul. to Jerusalem 97 Xenophon, The Memorabilia

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the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat Antioch in Pisidia 98 down. Popularly so called, to distinguish it from Syrian Gal. 4:13, “You know how through infirmity of the Antioch , though it was not actually in Pisidia, flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.” but was a Phrygian town on its borders. It had This first preaching was likely here in Antioch been made a Roman colony in 8 B.C., and was at in Pisidia. One commentator (Ramsay) suggests this time the chief centre of military and civil that malaria caused them to leave Perga right administration in the south-western portion of away to go to higher altitudes. the vast province of Galatia. They did preach at Perga on their return trip There were many cities and towns in various (Acts. 14:25), apparently with some success. In districts of these countries called Antioch: some the third century there were martyrs of this have reckoned up not less than twelve. 99 Pliny church at Perga, which suffered under the called this town “”, but Strabo Emperor Decius. In the 4th century, there was a called it “Antioch of Phrygia”, and Ptolemy famous church here, over which Jovinian was 100 bishop or pastor. In the 5th century there was a called it “Antioch of Pamphylia”. church here, whose bishop is mentioned in the This Antioch lay on an important line of as one who assisted in the first council at communication westward by with the Ephesus. In later centuries there are several valley of the Meander River and eastward by other references in history to the church of Iconium with the country behind the Taurus. In Perga. this general direction, between and But Barnabas and Paul apparently hurried Ephesus on the one hand, and the Cilician Gates away from Perga on this part of their journey. which lead down to Tarsus on the other, conquering armies and trading caravans, Pisidia Persian , Roman proconsuls and Turkish Alexander the Great, when he heard that pashas, have traveled for centuries. Memnon’s fleet was in the Aegean, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day marched from Perga to rejoin Parmenio in Phrygia, found some of the worst difficulties of This was the most convenient time, perhaps the his whole campaign in penetrating through this only time, that people who might be district. sympathetic to the gospel teaching would be gathered together. Pisidia was the scene of one of the roughest campaigns connected with the wars of and sat down Antiochus the Great, carried out among the hill Paul and Barnabas took their places as visiting forts near the upper waters of the Cestrus and Jews, possibly sitting with the rabbis in the Eurymedon. (An episode of the TV prominent seats. documentary series Sunset Earth was about a Some Gentiles must have been in the Turkish village on the Eurymedon river.) synagogue, too, either proselytes or novices. No population through the midst of which St. The Jews may well have been teaching Gentiles Paul ever traveled have more of those perils by the OT scriptures to prepare them to become robbers that the wild and lawless clans of the proselytes. See verses 42 and 48. Pisidian Highlanders.

98 Conybeare and Howson, chapter 6, Situation of Antioch 99 Clarke, Acts 100 Gloag, Acts…, Vol. 2, p 20.

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The synagogue in dispersion was a center of “The reading of the prophets began in this learning, a source of help in community needs, way: when Antiochus Epiphanes burnt the a place for meetings, and a court of justice. The book of the law, and forbad the reading of it, synagogues became a part of public life in the Jews in [its place] selected some passages Gentile communities. Numerous Gentiles out of the prophets, which they thought came attended the worship services in the local nearest in words and sense to the sections of synagogue, observed the Jewish law, and the law, and read them in their stead. believed in God. But some Gentiles, because of When the reading of the law was restored their refusal to be circumcised, were called again [by the Maccabees], they still continued God-fearers. Accordingly, at least four groups of the reading of the prophetic sections; and the people worshiped together on any given section for the day was called “the Sabbath: Jews who were born either in dismission”, because usually the people were dispersion or in Israel, converts to Judaism, dismissed upon it, unless anyone stood up, God-fearers, and Gentiles who displayed an and preached or expounded the word of God interest but did not make a commitment. 101 unto the people: hence the invitation of the rulers of the synagogue to Paul and Topic: Synagogues Barnabas.” Acts 13:15 And after the reading of the law and READ Luke 4:14-21 the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent The reading consisted of two lessons from the unto them, saying, You men and brethren, if you law and from the prophets, and was in Hebrew. have any word of exhortation for the people, say But since the knowledge of that language was on. confined to the learned Jews, and there were proselytes present, it would have been Topic: Jewish Teaching, Torah interpreted, verse by verse in the case of the the reading of the law and the prophets law, and three verses at a time in the case of the 102 From Gill, Acts: “The five books of Moses were prophets. divided into sections: Genesis was divided into sent to them twelve, Exodus into eleven, Leviticus into ten, Two chance strangers would scarcely have Numbers into ten, and Deuteronomy into ten, been thus singled out. It must have become which in all make fifty three sections. known in the Jewish quarter that the “By reading one on each sabbath [taking two newcomers were Rabbis with a message which on one day] they read through the whole law they desired to communicate. None the less, the in the course of a year. They finished at the invitation is an interesting illustration of the close of the Feast of Tabernacles; and that day national and religious unity which bound the was called “the rejoicing of the law”; it was a Jewish people together throughout the world. day of rejoicing, that the law was read 103 through. [It is likely ] that they had already been some “The custom of reading the law, the Jews say, days in Pisidian Antioch, and had already began one hundred and seventy years before taught the people, and were thus recognized as the time of Christ; though some say the teachers. The curiosity of the members of the division of the law, into sections, was made by synagogue would be aroused to know what Ezra; and others refer it to Moses himself. It [certainly was done] in the times of Christ and his apostles.

102 Furneaux, Acts 13 101 Baker NT Commentary, Acts, Chapter 13 103 ibid

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new doctrine this was which these strangers including both proselytes and other interested came from such a distance to proclaim. 104 Gentiles. Note in verse 43 the reference to “religious proselytes” of the congregation. word of exhortation for the people Literally, “if there is among you any word of Topic: Proselytes exhortation for the people.” It is a condition of Topic: Jewish System the first class and assumed to be true, thus it is a polite invitation. 105 Review the following topics: Acts 13:16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning • Paul, Education with his hand said, Men of Israel, and you that • Jewish Teaching, Sabbath fear God, give audience. • Jewish Teaching, Categories of Work Paul stood up • Talmud, Shabbat • Talmud, Origins The usual Jewish practice was for the speaker to sit (Luke 6:20), but the Greek and Roman • Talmud, Structure custom was to stand; here the population was give audience largely Roman, so that may be why Paul stood. “Pay attention …” “Now hear this” (ajkouvsate) beckoning with his hand Acts 13:17 The God of this people of Israel chose A gesture to bring about quiet and order. our fathers, and exalted the people when they Similar to that used by Peter (Acts 12:17) and dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with Paul, again, (Acts 21:40) on the steps of the an high arm he brought them out of it. tower of Antonia. In verses 17-22, Paul reviews the “five pillars” Acts 12:16, 17, “But Peter continued knocking: and of Judaism. 106 when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them 1. Their relationship to God is expressed by with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto the words the people of this God Israel. Te them how the Lord had brought him out of the God Israel was the true God, all other gods prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto were false. James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and 2. Next, the result of the relationship was due went into another place.” to divine choice. God chose Abraham, based Acts 21:40, “And when he [the chief captain of the fortress] had given him license, Paul stood on the on God’s desire to bring redemption to stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. mankind; the choice was not a matter of And when there was made a great silence, he spake Abraham’s character, but God’s sovereign unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,” will. Men of Israel 3. The uplifted arm is the symbol of God’s power (Exo. 6:6; Psalm 136:11,12) and Paul always had great concern for his Jewish points to redemption. brothers, that they would be saved. 4. Accompanying God’s redemption from the READ Romans 11:1-15 and Romans 9:1-5. old land (Egypt) was His appointment to you that fear God the new land (Canaan). The “God-fearers” would have been Gentiles, 5. Finally, verses 21 and 22 focus on Israel’s not included in the title “men of Israel”, king. All of this history is regarded as preparation for the Messiah.

104 Gloag, Acts 13 105 Robertson, Acts 13 106 McCalley, Acts 13:16-22

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this people of Israel Acts 13:19 And when he had destroyed seven This statement would draw the attention of the nations in the land of Canaan, he divided their Gentiles present, to the basic fact of the Jews land to them by lot. existence as a people of God. seven nations in the land of Canaan The Israelites did not choose God, but God Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, chose them. God brought them out of Egypt, Hivites, Jebusites, and Girgashites. The term God led them in the wilderness, God destroyed “Seven Nations” is what they are often called in the nations before them, God gave them Saul, Jewish writings. God gave them , God raised up a Savior for them, God raised Him from the dead. It is not as though they were utterly destroyed, or everyone of them put to death, or driven out, exalted the people when they dwelt as for some remained to be thorns in the sides of strangers the Israelites; yet they were so wasted and Probably a reference to the fact that the Lord conquered, caused Joseph to be advanced to a place second that they could never recover any more: he to the king, and all of Jacob’s family to occupy a divided their land to them; every tribe had its prominent place in Egypt. portion of it assigned, by lot. Joshua 14:1-5, And these are the countries which with a high arm he brought them out of it. the children of Israel inherited in the land of This is an expression of God’s great power. Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the (meta bracivono~ uJyhlou) A vivid picture from son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the the Septuagint Greek of Exodus 6:1, 6 (READ) tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for and other passages. inheritance to them. By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD Acts 13:18 And about the time of forty years he commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine suffered their manners in the wilderness. tribes, and for the half tribe. forty years For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto …from the time they left Egypt until the people the Levites he gave none inheritance among them. entered the land of Canaan For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part suffered their manners in the wilderness unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, “Suffered” is ejtropofovrnsen , first aorist active with their suburbs for their cattle and for their indicative of (tropoforow), “to bear with substance. another’s moods”, “to tolerate someone’s As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children behavior”. Hence, God “tolerated the behavior” of Israel did, and they divided the land. of the people of Israel while they were in the Acts 13:20 And after that he gave unto them wilderness. judges about the space of four hundred and fifty An interesting variant reading in some years, until Samuel the prophet. manuscripts is ejtrofofovrnsen (note the f in “All this took about 450 years, And after than he the place of p in the fifth letter of the word). gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.” 107 This word means “to nurse” or “to nurture”, so Notice that this interpreting of the Greek the reading would be, “for forty years he changes the time frame of the 450 years. nurtured them in the wilderness”. Furneaux This is a most difficult passage, and has prefers the word “sustained” in this verse. exercised all the ingenuity of chronologists, The meanings are very different, between these down to the present time. The ancient versions two Greek words, but either accurately describes something of the relationship of God 107 with the people in the wilderness. ESV, Acts 13:20

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agree with the present Greek text. The difficulty deserve ; yea, the wicked and unlawful desire of has been to reconcile it with what is said in 1 the people was to God a new and incredible Kings 6:1. 108 Most of the commentators listed occasion to erect the kingdom whence Christ in the bibliography have extended comments should after ward come. For how is it that the on the subject of the so-called time scepter came to the tribe of Judah, save only discrepancies. because the people were desirous to have a king ? Assuredly the people dealt wickedly ; but The Jews in the synagogue would have been God, who knoweth how to use evil things well, well acquainted with the period of the Judges, turned that offence into safety. Whereas Saul e.g. Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Abimelech, was thrown down from the kingdom, it served Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, Samson, to reprove the fault of the people, (1 Sam. and Eli. 15:28,) but immediately when the kingdom is “Here is another testimony of the infinite established in David s family the prophecy of goodness of God toward the Jews, in that he Jacob was verified, (Gen. 49:10).” 110 pardoned so many backslidings in them.” 109 1 Sam. 8:5-7 until Samuel the prophet He was the last of the judges and the first of the “And said unto him, Behold, you are old, and your sons walk not in your ways: now make us a king to prophets; he selected the first king (Saul) under judge us like all the nations. God’s guidance. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Acts 13:21 And afterward they desired a king: Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed and God gave unto them Saul the son of , a unto the LORD. man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of “And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto forty years. the voice of the people in all that they say unto you: for they have not rejected you, but they have they desired a king rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” Calvin, “This change was all one as if they 1 Sam. 15:28 would quite and manifestly overthrow the government which he had appointed, whereof But Samuel said to Saul, "I will not return with God himself complained in Samuel, (1 Sam. 8:5, you; for (AI)you have rejected the word of the 7.) But the stability of the election saved them LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel. from being punished as such madness did “As Samuel turned to go, Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore. 108 Barnes, Acts 13:20, “:1, And it came to “So Samuel said to him, ‘The LORD has torn the pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, to your neighbor, who is better than you. in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel ... he “Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His began to build the house of the Lord.” mind; for He is not a man that He should change Now if to the 40 years that the children of Israel His mind.” were in the wilderness there be added the 450 Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he said in Acts to have been passed under the raised up unto them David to be their king; to administration of the judges, and about 17 years whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have of the time of Joshua, 40 years for Samuel and the found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine reign of Saul together, and 40 years for the reign of David, and three years of Solomon before he own heart, which shall fulfill all my will. began to build the temple, the sum will be 590 years, a period greater by 110 years than that mentioned in 1 Kings 6:1. 109 Calvin, Acts 110 Calvin, Acts 13:21.

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And when he had removed him There is an interesting parallel in the letter of Saul died (in a battle with the Philistines, 1 Sam. Clements to the Corinthians, chapter 18: “But 31:1-6. In fact, he took his own life; being badly what shall we say concerning David, to whom wounded he fell on his sword.). such testimony was borne, and of whom God said, “I have found a man after Mine own heart, David became king, but we see from this David the son of Jesse; and in everlasting mercy statement that it was Jehovah who had have I anointed him?” This gives us rather firm removed Saul, showing further His direction of evidence that the Acts was known in Rome men’s affairs, in spite of human frailty. When 112 Saul rejected God’s instructions and placed before the end of the first century. himself above the law, God rejected him. Acts 13:23 Of this man's seed has God according “Remove” is the aor. act. part. of meqivsthmi , to his promise raised unto Israel a Savior, Jesus: “to remove from office; to transfer; to set Of this man’s seed aside”. It is notable that Paul was using “From this man’s offspring…”. language that did not show King Saul in a good light; Paul was a member of the tribe of The historical review stops with David, Benjamin, too, and would naturally have been although the lineage of Jesus can be traced both reticent to diminish King Saul’s stature, if the through Joseph and Mary back to David. The Lord had not influenced his speech. mention of David opened the way to introduce the story of Jesus. 1 Sam. 15:23 (NIV) The Grace Notes topic on the Genealogy of Jesus For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and Christ is an excellent reference. Developed by arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you Mark Perkins, a Bible church pastor in have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected Colorado, the document provides details from you as king. the Bible on all the descendants of David, both This verb occurs in Luke 16:4, about the through Joseph’s line and Mary’s line, who were removal from office of the unjust steward. Jesus’ forbears.

he raised up unto them David to be their Topic: Genealogy of Jesus Christ king Paul’s message here is very similar to Peter’s Here Paul begins a rather long statement which preaching on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2. is aimed to show how it was always God’s See also Matthew chapter 1. intention to bring the Messiah into the world through the tribe of Judah, the seed of David. according to His promise I have found David the son of Jesse, a man Refers to all of the Messianic promises in after my own heart general, made to the Jews by the prophets. God sent Christ because He had promised to do so. This is not a quotation from the Old Testament, See promises in 2 Sam. 7:2; Psalm 132:11; “as they might be thought to be from the Isaiah 11:1,10; Jer. 23:5ff; Zechariah 3:8. manner in which they are produced, they being 111 These promises were well known among the cited as a testimony delivered by the Lord.” Jews, even non-Christian Jews called the Rather it is a composite made up from Psalm Messiah the “Son of David.” 89:20, “I have found David my servant”, and from Samuel’s statement to Saul in 1 Sam. Matt. 22:41,42 13:14, “the Lord has sought for Himself a man While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus after His own heart.” asked them,

111 Gill, Acts 13:22 112 Furneaux, Acts 13:22

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Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is He? for repentance from sin was a prerequisite to They say unto him, The son of David.” the rite of baptism.” 114 Acts 13:24 When John had first preached, before his coming, the baptism of repentance to all the Topic: Repentance people of Israel. Topic: Baptism When John had first preached before his Acts 13:25 And as John fulfilled his course, he coming said, Whom think you that I am? I am not he. John the Baptist preached and prepared the But, behold, there comes one after me, whose way for Christ, before Christ entered into his shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. public ministry. Literally “John heralded beforehand” (prokhruvssw). as John fulfilled his course “Course” is direct object of dromo~ , “race Topic: Preaching course; place of running; the course of the We can take it that John the Baptist was fairly planets; fig. purpose in life”. John the Baptist well known among religious Jews and had a relatively brief career which was filled proselytes. Recall that Peter referred to him in with danger, and he performed his mission with his message to Cornelius and his family. diligence and zeal. Disciples of John the Baptist lived in Ephesus Paul used this same word in describing his own (Acts 19:1-6). John’s message was to all Israel: “race”. Pharisees, Sadducees, crowds of people, tax collectors, soldiers, and even Herod Antipas :24 (Matt. 3:7-12; Luke 3:7-20). But none of these things move me, neither count I the baptism of repentance my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have This is the phrase used of John’s preaching in received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of Mark 1:4 and Luke 3:3. the grace of God. Mark 1:4 2 Tim. 4:7 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the I have fought a good fight, I have finished my baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. course, I have kept the faith: Gloag: “He not only administered the ordinance The life of every Christian is a race which of baptism, but he preached the doctrine of it, requires strength, courage, agility, patience, and opened the nature and design of it, and perseverance. This world is the place in which required repentance and fruits meet for it, in you run; and this is only the running time; in those who came to have it administered to heaven you will sit down on the throne with them: for which reason it is called the baptism Christ. The way in which you run, is the way of of repentance; and this he did publicly before your duty, the way of God’s commandments. all the people, when the inhabitants of The mark you have in view, which you keep Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region your eye on, and to which you direct your round about Jordan, came unto him.” 113 course, is Christ; and glory is the incorruptible crown you run for. When you have finished Baker Commentary: “When John preached the your course, your reward will be given you by message of repentance and encountered a 115 receptive audience, he baptized the people. His the chief shepherd and righteous judge. baptism differed from the washings of the Jews, 114 Baker, Acts 13:24 113 Gloag, Acts 13:24 115 Gill, Acts 13:25

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Whom think you that I am? speaking to Jews and Gentiles. [But But see the NAS, “What do you suppose that I hermeneutics does not belong in a translation. am?” Or even, as some commentators, “Whom A translation is not a commentary, but a faithful do you suspect that I am?” John made it clear rendering of an original text. This kind of that the Messiah was coming soon, but that he altering of the text occurs often in the NIV, one was not the Messiah. of the reasons I don’t use that version as my primary English text. wdd] whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to to you is the word of this salvation sent loose “You” is hJmin the dative plural of ejgw , and NIV, “whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” should be translated “us”, as in the NAS and It was considered the office of the lowest slaves NIV. “To us”, them, both Jews and Gentiles, to unbind the sandals of their masters. Thus both classes in Paul’s audience (dative of Suetonius says of Vitellius, the father of the advantage). 118 The “word” which Paul is emperor, that, to leave no artifice untried to preaching is from the Old Testament. He secure the favor of Claudius, he requested as emphasizes that this salvation communication the greatest favor from Messalina, that she from Jehovah is meant for everybody! would be pleased to allow him to take off her shoes (Suetonius, Vitellius, ii.). 116 So John was Acts 13:27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and saying that his relationship to Christ was that of their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet someone lower than a slave. the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the condemning him. stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fears God, to you is the word of this salvation they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers sent. The Jews in Jerusalem, not all of them, but in Men and brethren general, have rejected the Gospel message. Compare with verse 46, “but seeing you put it ajvndre~ ajdelfoiv , which some take to mean from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of only “brethren”. So Clarke, “it is men-brethren, everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” A a very usual form in Greek; for every person good many of the Jews in Antioch of Pisidia knows that ajndre~ ajqhnaioi and ajndre~ have now also rejected the claims of Christ. should not be translated men-Athenians pevrsai Paul faces the difficulty of addressing an and men-Persians, but simply Athenians and audience that regards Jerusalem as 117 Persians.” headquarters of the Jewish faith and therefore children of the stock of Abraham honors the religious rulers of that city. He has to guide his listeners from the position he Rather, “sons (uJioi) of the family of Abraham” himself occupied while he was associated with whosoever among you fears God the high priest in Jerusalem to the position of freedom he now possesses in Christ. The people But notice the NIV translates this phrase, “and living in Jerusalem were the first to reject Jesus you God-fearing Gentiles”. Now it is true that and his message; they were influenced by their Gentiles are present, but the Greek word for religious leaders, who urged the crowds to “Gentiles” ( ) does not appear in this ejqnoi 119 verse. The NIV translators added it, probably condemn Jesus. because they wanted to explain that Paul was

116 Gloag, Acts 13:25 118 Robertson, Acts 13:26 117 Clarke on Acts 7:2. 119 Baker, Acts 13:27

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because they knew him not Topic: Pilate Peter gave “ignorance” as the excuse of the Jews Acts 13:29 And when they had fulfilled all that in the death of Christ (Acts 3:17) and Paul does was written of him, they took him down from the same about his conduct before his the tree, and laid him in a sepulcher. conversion (1 Timothy 1:13). This ignorance mitigated the degree of their guilt, but it did not when they had fulfilled all that was written remove it, for it was willing ignorance and of him prejudice. That is, When they had vilified and reproached Clarke: ”A gentle excuse for the persecuting him in the most opprobrious manner; buffeted high priests, etc. They did not know that Jesus and scourged him, and pierced his hands and was the Christ, because they did not know the his feet, by nailing him to the cross; when they prophets: and why did they not know the had crucified him between two thieves, and prophets, which were read every Sabbath day? parted his raiment and cast lots on his vesture; Because they did not desire to know his will; when they had pierced his side, and it was and therefore they knew not the doctrine of sufficiently evident that his life was taken from God: nor did they know that, in condemning the earth; all which were written of him in the Christ, they fulfilled those very Scriptures Psalms and Prophets. 120 which were read every Sabbath day in their synagogues. they took him down from the tree This passage seems to say that it was the the voices of the prophets which are read enemies of Christ who took Him down from the every Sabbath day Cross and buried him. Luke himself wrote The “voices” were heard as they were read before (Luke 23:53) that it was Joseph of aloud each Sabbath in the synagogue. In their Arimathea who took charge of Jesus’ body. ignorant condemnation they fulfilled the was also involved (John 19:38-40). I prophecies about the suffering Messiah. suppose we could say that the statement here, that the rulers of the Jews were involved, is they have fulfilled them in condemning him literally true, because both Nicodemus and Because they did not know their own were members of the Scriptures, they condemned Jesus Christ, Sanhedrin; but they were certainly not fulfilling those very prophecies, which their consenting to His death. ears heard but their minds did not grasp. Acts 13:28 And though they found no cause of and laid him in a sepulcher death in him, yet they asked Pilate that he Paul is establishing the circumstances in order should be slain. that he might come as quickly as possible to his following statements about Christ’s The word “cause” (NAS and NIV: “ground) is resurrection. aijtiva , as a legal term it means “ground for accusation”. The Jews found no proper ground Acts 13:30 But God raised him from the dead: in the Lord’s case for a death sentence. The “But” – conjunction of contrast, oJ de Qeov~ , Sanhedrin had condemned him for blasphemy; the act of God the Father contrasted with the and yet they knew that they could not foul deed committed by men. substantiate the charge before Pilate, and they See discussion for Acts 2:23, 24 therefore endeavored to procure his Acts 13:31 And he was seen many days of them condemnation on the ground of sedition. (Matt. 26:65) which came up with him from Galilee to

120 Gill, Acts 13:29

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Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the God has fulfilled the same unto us their people. children The “many days” is actually 40 days, as we see That is, the promises which the fathers declared from Acts 1:3. The apostles and disciples who are fulfilled for the benefit of the Jews, by had fellowship with Christ after his means of the resurrection of Christ. resurrection are those who are mentioned later in chapter 1, along with many others who saw Topic: Resurrection of Christ Him in various places during the 40 days. When Jews who were positive received gospel The men who are described as “his witnesses information, they were able readily to accept unto the people” are those who knew Him best that Jesus was Messiah (Christ). and could not be deceived as to His identity. That, of course, does not include Paul, who did written in the second psalm not see Christ “from Galilee to Jerusalem.” Most This is just one of the places in Scripture where of these men were still alive at this time and the promise is recorded. ready to testify to the resurrection to anyone READ Psalm 2. The people knew this Psalm who would listen. very well! who are now His witnesses unto the people READ Acts 4:24-33. This the strong point that Peter made in his It is interesting that in some manuscripts the evangelistic teaching following the Day of phrase “second psalm” is “first psalm” in the Pentecost. Acts 2:32 and 3:15. Greek, (yalmw .../ protw/), because the first Acts 13:32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, psalm was often counted as an introduction to the whole book. how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, You are my son, this day have I begotten you And we declare unto you glad tidings Talmud, Sukkah, folio 52.1, ““the Rabbins teach, that Messiah, the son of David, who shall be Again, eujaggelizw , “to bring good news”. In revealed in haste in our days, the holy blessed Greek, this word refers to good news of any God said unto him, ask anything of me, and I kind; however, in the New Testament, it is will give it thee, as it is said, (Psalm always used for communication from God to man. To a Jew, nothing could be better news 2:7) “I will declare the decree, etc. this day have that that the Messiah had come; to a sinner I begotten thee”.” convinced of his sins nothing can be more Acts 13:34 And as concerning that he raised him cheering than to hear of a Savior. up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the promise that was made unto the fathers the sure mercies of David. The promise here refers to all that had been spoken in the Old Testament about the coming He raised him up from the dead, now no of Christ, His sufferings, death, and more to return to corruption. resurrection; along with the benefits arising The Lord did not die again, as Lazarus had from thence, as peace, pardon, righteousness, done, or as David had done. Both Peter and Paul life, and salvation. used David as an illustration of permanent Acts 13:33 God has fulfilled the same unto us human death, to emphasize the difference in their children, in that he has raised up Jesus Jesus’ resurrection, and to draw attention to the again; as it is also written in the second psalm, striking prophecy of David regarding Christ’s You are my Son, this day have I begotten you. resurrection. READ Acts 2:22-36

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Romans 1:3,4, “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ regulating and promoting the worship of God our Lord, which was made of the seed of David among them: 122 according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of David died, was buried, but never rose again. holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Therefore, David can not be the person who is Romans 6:9, “Christ, being raised from the dead, being talked about in the Old Testament dies no more.” passages. the sure mercies of David was laid unto his fathers NASB: “I will give you the holy and sure prosetevqh pro~ aujtou tou~ patevra~ blessings of David. This fairly represents the Greek of this phrase. ὰ ὅ ὶ ὰ , Literally, “the holy This is an obsolete phrase in the English of the things of David, the trustworthy things.” 121 KJV, but was used commonly by British authors τ σια Δαυ δ τ πιστά until at least the early part of the 20th century. Acts 13:35 Wherefore he said also in another Example: Robert K. Douglas, in his history of psalm, You shall not suffer your Holy One to see China, written in 1903, said of Genghis Khan, corruption. Kublai Khan, Shunti, and others that they “were He said also in another psalm gathered to their fathers.” It is God still being quoted from the Old Acts 13:37 But he, whom God raised again, saw Testament. no corruption. Psalm 16:9,10, “Therefore my heart is glad, and The Lord Jesus was raised without undergoing my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope. the usual decay that comes after death. God set For you will not leave my soul in hell; neither will him free from the power of death and the grave you suffer your Holy One to see corruption.” (Acts 2:24; 3:15) and gave him power over You shall not suffer your Holy One to see them (Rev. 1:18). corruption Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men … in contrast with David, and all the rest of us. and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: Acts 13:36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, Men and brethren and was laid unto his fathers, and saw Paul and his listeners are on the same level; all corruption: are sinners, and all can be saved by grace. NAS: “For David, after he had served the Paul now draws the conclusion to be drawn purpose of God in his own generation, fell from the preceding statements; and he applies asleep, and was laid among his fathers, and it to his listeners in a very direct and forceful underwent decay;” way. He tells them that salvation, forgiveness of after he had served his own generation etc sins, is offered in Jesus Christ, the One who died, was buried, and who rose from the dead. Or the men of that age and generation in which he lived, the subjects of his kingdom; by forgiveness of sins governing them with wholesome laws, (ajvfesi~ aJmartiwn) This is a subject in which protecting them in their rights and properties, the Jews, and devout Gentiles (e.g. Cornelius), defending them against their enemies, and had always been deeply interested, “How do I obtain forgiveness of sin?”. And they had always worked to adhere to all of the old ceremonials and practices, to get relief from the

121 Robertson, Acts 13:34 122 Gill, Acts 13:36

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terrible burden of sin. Now Paul comes to them • Justification occurs at the moment of a and teaches them that (1) their attempts to person’s faith in Jesus Christ, Rom. 3:28; fulfill the Law will never remove their sin and 5:1; Gal.3:24. (2) Jesus Christ forgives sins! No wonder that • Justification does not occur through there was so many who were relieved and keeping the Law of Moses, Gal. 2:16. happy to hear this news. Paul presses the • Justification during the believer’s lifetime is message home in his exhortation. described in James 2:21-25. This is the Acts 13:39 And by him all that believe are function of the Faith-Rest principle in living justified from all things, from which you could the Christian Way of Life under grace. not be justified by the law of Moses. Related Topics: Reconciliation, Propitiation, By him all that believe The Barrier, Imputation Faith alone (believe) in Christ (by him) alone TopicS: Justification, Reconciliation, Propitiation, (from which you could not be justified by the Imputation law of Moses). Acts 13:40 Beware therefore, lest that come ARE JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Definition: Justification is God’s act of grace by Acts 13:41 Behold, you despisers, and wonder, which He pardons a sinner and accepts him as and perish: for I work a work in your days, a righteous on account of the atoning work of work which you shall in no wise believe, though Jesus Christ on the Cross. Remission of sin, a man declare it unto you. absolution from guilt, and freedom from The phrase “you despisers” is not in the punishment are part of justification. Hebrew of Habakkuk, but it is in the Septuagint In order to be justified, a person must be given (oJi katafronhtaiv), so Paul is quoting the a righteousness equivalent to God’s perfect Septuagint here. The Jews, at least, would have righteousness. Therefore, imputation precedes been familiar with the LXX text; and there were justification. undoubtedly many scoffers among the people Imputation is the charging to the account of one in the synagogue that day; so the phrase is quite person something which properly belongs to appropriate. another. The Lord Jesus Christ shares his The quotation is from Habakkuk 1:5 perfect righteousness with the believer, Rom. 3:22; 4:11; 9:30-32; 4:4,5 **. Habakkuk 1:1-5, “The which Habakkuk the prophet saw. How long, O Lord, will I call for READ Romans 4:1-5 help, And You will not hear? Because righteousness has been imputed to us, I cry out to You, “Violence!” Yet You do not save. God calls us “justified”. “Abraham believed God Why do You make me see iniquity, and it was imputed to him for righteousness.” And cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, Imputation of righteousness on the basis of destruction and violence are before me; faith brings about justification. Strife exists and contention arises. The means of justification is redemption, Rom. Therefore the law is ignored And justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; 3:24. “Being justified freely by his grace Therefore justice comes out perverted. through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Look among the nations! Observe! • Justification produces reconciliation. Rom. Be astonished! Wonder! 5:1 Because I am doing something in your days - You • Because God the Father is satisfied would not believe if you were told. (propitiation), we are freely justified. The Jews of Habakkuk’s day had refused to believe that the Chaldeans would invade their nation, yet the Chaldeans had some.

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Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of “strangers,” or “proselytes.” The Jews the synagogue, the Gentiles sought that these recognizes two types of proselytes, the words might be preached to them the next “proselytes of the gate” and the “proselytes Sabbath. of the covenant.” It seems from this statement that it was the The “proselytes of the gate” were people Gentiles who were the receptive hearers of the who wanted to live among the Jews but who teaching that Paul and Barnabas were doing. would not submit to circumcision. There were some Jews in the assembly who However, they usually acknowledged were saved, as we see in the next verse, but Jehovah as the true God, avoided idolatry; there were many who did not believe the but they were not obliged to observe any of gospel of Christ and hardened their hearts the Mosaic institutions. They were not against it. allowed to eat the passover or partake of any of the sacred festivals. The people sought The “proselytes of the covenant” adopted The people “begged” or “beseeched” the Jewish religion completely, even (parakalevw), Paul and Barnabas to make sure agreeing to follow the rite of circumcision, that they continued teaching them; they were observe all the ceremonies of the Law. In eager to hear much more. fact, they were no different from the Jews in Acts 13:43 Now when the congregation was their culture and practice, except that they broken up, many of the Jews and religious had once been “heathen,” or gentile. They proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, had the same rights, spiritual and secular, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue as the Jews themselves. in the grace of God. persuaded them to continue in the grace of when the congregation was broken up God The synagogue services were dismissed in the A considerable number of people were saved usual way. during the ministry of Paul and Barnabas in the various cities they visited on this first many of the Jews and religious proselytes missionary journey, as we see in Acts 14. followed Paul and Barnabas READ Acts 14:21-23 These people stayed with Paul and Barnabas in The doctrine of grace, free justification and order to get more teaching, this in spite of the remission of sins based on the work of Christ obvious displeasure of many of the Jews. The on the Cross, the blood of Christ, not on the “devout proselytes” (sebomevnwn oJ works of the Law. proshlouvtwn) were godly people, people with positive volition to the things of God. The term Acts 13:44 And the next Sabbath day almost the usually refers to whole city came together to hear the word of God. A proselyte was any non-Jew who lived among the Jews. almost the whole city came together to hear The word “proselyte” is from the Greek the word of God. proshluto~, a “stranger” or “foreigner”, a If not the whole city, a large part of it. It was not person who has come from his own people that there was no teaching for a whole week. to live in a new country, with people of There are two or three days of teaching at the another culture. synagogue during the intervening days Among the people who lives among the between Sabbaths. And certainly Paul and Jews, all of those who were not descendants Barnabas would have taken every opportunity of the twelve sons of Jacob, were known as to converse with groups or individuals

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wherever they went in town. Now all these people.” The NIV also uses the word people thronged to the synagogue in a large “obstinate”. crowd, to hear the good news. But, the word is (ajntilevgw)!! Here, the KJV is a Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the much better translation. This is not the passive multitudes, they were filled with envy, and disobedience or silent pouting of people who spoke against those things which were spoken are offended but keeping it to themselves. This by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. is hyperactive verbal opposition, and it turns We note that it wasn’t the God-fearing Gentiles violent (13:50). but the Jews set themselves against Paul and blaspheming Barnabas. The Jews have now seen the Paul and This is blasfhmevw , which means, in relation Barnabas reap an evangelistic harvest, after the to people, “slander; revile; defame (someone’s Jews had tried to interest the Gentile reputation)” . In relation to God, it means to population in Judaism. speak evil about God, to insult God. In this filled with envy scene, the Jews are probably slandering both Or, “filled with zeal”. (zhvlo~) This word can God and men. mean either “zeal” or “envy”, I suppose That is, the Jews blaspheme the Christ depending on your point of view. The Jews proclaimed by Paul and Barnabas. would have characterized themselves as Undoubtedly, they tell the crowds that the “zealous”; but their actions were motivated by crucified man Jesus is a criminal cursed by God. intense jealousy. And they deride and revile Paul for speaking From a human point of view, their jealousy is about Jesus. Luke omits the details of the verbal understandable; but from a divine perspective, attacks by the Jewish leaders of the local the Jews should have been first in accepting the synagogue, but the account is sufficiently clear gospel of salvation. Instead of obeying the for a reader to form a mental image of the teachings of God’s word, they begin to proceedings. 123 contradict the words spoken by Paul. Luke even READ Acts 26:9-11 !! Note the level of Saul’s adds that they do so abusively. They turned on hatred and self-righteous zeal against the the apostles and made an uproar, opposing the Christians, when he was persecuting them. words of Paul with all anger and malice. Now, in Antioch of Pisidia, he and Barnabas would have been fully aware of the source of contradicting the Jews’ resentment and of how dangerous it This is the imperfect active indicative of could be. ajntilevgw , “they began to contradict” what was Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, spoken by Paul. and said, It was necessary that the word of God Note this from Titus 1:9, “Holding fast the faith should first have been spoken to you: but seeing word, as he has been taught, that he might be you put it from you, and judge yourselves able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the convince the gainsayers.” Gentiles. “the gainsayers”: (ajntilevgw), literally, “those who speak against; those who waxed bold contradict”; therefore, “those who are in This is from the verb parrhsiavzomai , which opposition”. means “acting with an attitude of openness that READ Romans 10:19-21 comes from freedom and lack of fear.” Here it Rom. 10:21 (NAS), “But as for Israel He says, All day long I have stretched out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate !! 123 Baker Commentary

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refers to openness of speech and having the furnished matter for their own condemnation. courage to speak out. 126 should first have been spoken to you By their actions, these Jews has passed a verdict When our Lord gave his apostles their on themselves. commission to go into all the world, and preach we turn to the Gentiles the Gospel to every creature, he told them they In Acts 1:8, the Lord Jesus had commanded the must begin first at Jerusalem, Mark 16:15; Luke apostles to go first to Jerusalem and Judea, that 24:47. In obedience therefore to this command, is, to the Jews first, then the Gentiles. But He the apostles (in every place where they then said, “to the uttermost parts of the earth”, preached) made their first offers of the Gospel making it clear that Gentiles were included in 124 to the Jews. any missionary effort. Furthermore, Paul’s great inner desire was for READ :13-16 his own people, Israel. He suffered real anguish Acts 13:47 For so has the Lord commanded us, all of his life that so many Jews rejected Christ. saying, I have set you to be a light of the READ Romans 9:1-5; 10:1-5; 11:1-5. Gentiles, that you should be for salvation unto In these Romans passages we see that Paul the ends of the earth. understands that a remnant of Israel will be The quotation is from Isaiah 49:6. saved, like the 7,000 who did not bow to Baal in Elijah’s time; but he is in agony over all of his Isaiah 49:6, “And he said, It is a light thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of brethren who are “gainsaying and Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will blaspheming”. also give you for a light to the Gentiles, that you seeing you put if from you may be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” Isaiah 42:6, “I the LORD have called you in Or, “seeing that you thrust it aside”, from righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will ajpwqevw “to push aside; to drive away; keep you, and give you for a covenant of the (figuratively) to reject, to repudiate” people, for a light of the Gentiles” READ Acts 7:27 and 39. Paul says, “This is what the Lord has commanded us.” These are explicit directions and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah; these life should have registered in the minds of any Jew The word “judge” here does not mean they who was the least open in his thinking. “expressed such an opinion,” or that “they regarded themselves” as unworthy of eternal unto the ends of the earth life — for they thought just the reverse; but that Compare Isaiah 49:6 with Acts 1:8. by their conduct they condemned themselves. Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, By such conduct they did, in fact, pass sentence they were glad, and glorified the word of the on themselves. 125. Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal “Nothing was further from the thoughts of the life believed. Jews than declaring themselves unworthy of The Gentiles responded with great eagerness. eternal life because they had rejected the They listed to Paul’s teaching and responded gospel. But they did so in point of fact : by joyously to the Word, praising God for contradicting and blaspheming the gospel, they providing the gospel message. It is not that all of the Gentiles in the community were converted; only a part of them. However, as we 124 Clarke, Acts 13:46 125 Barnes, Acts 13:46 126 Gloag, Acts 13:46

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see from the events on the apostles’ return What does this imply? Some of the new journey, in the short period between their visits believers were trained well enough to be able to these cities, enough Christians had been to spread the gospel beyond the city limits of gathered to constitute congregations, over Antioch. It was certainly not Paul and Barnabas which pastors (elders) could be appointed. who did the “publishing”, as we see just below. (Acts 14) “A Church was formed of united Jews and as many as were ordained to eternal life Gentiles; and all who were destined to enter the path of eternal life were gathered into the believed Catholic brotherhood of the hitherto separated The word “ordained” is tetagmevnoi , the races. The synagogue had rejected the inspired perfect passive participle of tavssw “to assign missionaries, but the apostolic instruction went to a place; to appoint; to decide: on in some private house or public building The commentators all speak at length about belonging to the Heathen. And gradually the this phrase, because some have inferred that it knowledge of Christianity began to be helps to prove the doctrine of election, the idea disseminated through the whole vicinity.” 127 that God moves some people to acceptance of Gill, in his commentary on this verse, has an Christ, and does not move others. I am not extended description of the succeeding history going to enter the arena of those discussions of church establishment in Pisidia and the here, but I will refer you to the commentaries surrounding regions, up until at least the 8th on Acts in the bibliography, especially those of Century. Barnes, Clarke, Robertson, Gill, Gloag, and Furneaux. Here I will copy what Robertson has Acts 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout to say. and honorable women, and the chief men of the “The word “ordain” is not the best city, and raised persecution against Paul and translation here. “Appointed,” as Hackett Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. shows, is better. The Jews here had devout and honorable women voluntarily rejected the word of God. On the “Devout”, here, is the same word translated other side were those Gentiles who gladly “religious”, to describe proselytes. in verse 43. accepted what the Jews had rejected, not all Some commentators take this to mean that the Gentiles. \ these women were, in particular, Gentile “Why these Gentiles here ranged proselytes that were being stirred up. But it themselves on God’s side as opposed to the seems to me that Jewish women could also have Jews Luke does not tell us. This verse does been a part of the persecution against Paul and not solve the vexed problem of divine Barnabas. That they were women of high sovereignty and human free agency. standing in the community is evident from the “There is no evidence that Luke had in mind term “honorable women”, and Jewish women an absolutum decretum of personal would have had higher standing that Gentile salvation. Paul had shown that God’s plan proselytes. Josephus said that almost all of the extended to and included Gentiles. Certainly married women in Damascus were attached to the Spirit of God does move upon the the Jewish religion (Wars of the Jews, II.20.21). human heart to which some respond, as here, while others push him away.” chief men of the city Probably city officials; certainly leaders of the Acts 13:49 And the word of the Lord was Jewish community, rulers of the synagogue, the published throughout all the region. The word “published” is diafevrw , “to carry through; to spread; to tell everywhere”. 127 Conybeare and Howson, Chapter VI

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same who had only recently invited Paul and some maxims and customs of the Jews, with Barnabas to speak. respect to the dust of Heathen countries. raised persecution against Paul and “On account of six doubts, they say, they burn the first offering, for a doubt of a field Barnabas in which a grave might be, and for a doubt The key people of the city raised the mob “of the dust which comes from the land of against the apostles. Paul seems to allude to the Gentiles”, etc.” this persecution in 2 Timothy 3:11 “On which Bartenora has this note; ‘all dust “persecutions, sufferings, what things befell me which comes from the land of the Gentiles, at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what is reckoned by us as the rottenness of a persecutions I endured.” dead carcass; and of these two, “the land of expelled them out of their coasts the Gentiles”, and a field in which is a grave, That is, they ran them out of town, out of their it is decreed that they “defile” by touching, borders, or their province. This was not a legal and by carrying.’ expulsion; Antioch was a Roman colony, and “Again (from the Mishnah), “the dust of a banishing someone would have had to have field in which is a grave, and the dust official sanction from a Roman legate or other without the land (of Israel) which comes authority, which it was very unlikely that the along with an herb, are unclean.” Jews could have obtained. “Upon which Maimonides makes this Acts 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their remark, ‘that the dust of a field that has a feet against them, and came unto Iconium. grave in it, and the dust which is without The Lord had given this advice to the disciples the land of Israel, defile by touching and whom He sent to witness in Judea. carrying; or if, when it hangs at the end of an herb, when they root it out of the dust of READ Luke 9:2-5 such a field, it is unclean.” This was not a sign of contempt (Meyer), but of Hence they would not suffer herbs to be rejection and condemnation : that they brought out of an Heathen country into the renounced all fellowship with them, and that land of Israel, lest dust should be brought even the dust of their city was a witness against along with them; so they say “any of the them. dust of the land of the Gentiles”, which “As a protest against the injustice which cast defiles in the tent, and pollutes the purity of them out. The sandal was taken off and the dust the land of Israel.” \ shaken out as a symbolic token that the very and came unto Iconium soil of the country was defiling” 128 This city, which today is known as , Comments by Gill, from his notes on Matthew actually was part of Phrygia (according to 10:14. Xenophon, Anabasis, i. 2.19; but Pliny, Strabo, “…they shook it off, as though it defiled Cicero, and , all state that them, as the dust of an Heathen country Iconium was in ), even though it was thought by the Jews to do; so that by bordered Lycaonia. this action they signified that they would “There is a tetrarchy out of Lycaonia, where have nothing more to do with them, or say it borders on Galatia, composed of fourteen to them, and that they looked upon them as states, the capital of which is Iconium;” impure and unholy, as any Heathen city or (Pliny the Elder, Nat. Hist. v. 25). country. There seems to be an allusion to Iconium was about 50 miles east of Antioch of Pisidia. It was not a Roman colony in the time of 128 Furneaux

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Paul, but it became one in later years. There There is no reason to suppose that its was a population of about 30,000. character was different from that of the Situated on a large, fertile plateau (mesa), other important towns on the principal Iconium was surrounded by fertile fields that lines of communication through Asia Minor. received sufficient water from streams flowing The elements of its population would be as down from the nearby mountains. It was a follows: commercial center that served the agricultural • a large number of trifling and frivolous communities of that area. It became an Greeks, whose principal places of resort important city along a major highway, and from would be the theatre and the market- this center at least five roads spread into the place; countryside. 129 • some remains of a still older population, Here is the fascinating description of Iconium coming in occasionally from the from The Life and Epistles of St. Paul, by W. J. country, or residing in a separate Conybeare and W. C. Howson. quarter of the town; Iconium has obtained a place in history far • some few Roman officials, civil or more distinguished than that of the Pisidian military, holding themselves proudly Antioch. It is famous as the cradle of the aloof from the inhabitants of the rising power of the conquering Turks. And subjugated province; and the remains of its Mahommedan • an old established colony of Jews, who still bear a conspicuous exercised their trade during the week, testimony to the victories and strong and met on the Sabbath to read the Law government of a tribe of Tatar invaders. But in the Synagogue. there are other features in the view of The same kind of events took place here as modern Konieh which to us are far more in Antioch, and almost in the same order interesting. To the traveler in the footsteps (Acts 14:1-5). The Apostles went first to of St. Paul, it is not the armorial bearings of the Synagogue, and the effect of their the Knights of St. John, carved over the discourse there was such, that great gateways in the streets of , which numbers both of the Jews and Greeks arrest the attention, but the ancient harbor believed the Gospel. The unbelieving Jews and the view across the sea to the opposite raised up an indirect persecution by coast. And at Konieh his interest is exciting the minds of the Gentile population awakened, not by minarets and palaces and against those who received the Christian Saracenic gateways, but by the vast plain doctrine. But the Apostles persevered and and the distant mountains. remained in the city some considerable These features remain what they were in time, having their confidence strengthened the first century, while the town has been by the miracles which God worked through repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, and its their instrumentality, in attestation of the architectural character entirely altered. truth of His Word. Little, if anything, remains of Greek or Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, Roman Iconium, if we except the ancient and with the Holy Spirit. inscriptions and the fragments of Even in the midst of persecution, for you can be sculptures which are built into the Turkish sure that the white hot anger of the Jews would walls. At a late period of the Empire it was have been vented on anyone who had dared to made a , like its neighbor, Antioch: accept what Paul and Barnabas had taught. The but it was not so in the time of St. Paul. persecution that these believer faced was harsh and immediate, yet they maintained there 129 Baker testimony courageously.

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[No mention here of speaking in tongues!!] synods were held here, about the error of That is, after the apostles left Antioch, the Novatus; and in the same century, Nicomes disciples there continued to grow in the bishop of this place, assisted at the council Christian life. You can imagine the fellowship at Antioch, which condemned the heresy of they had – it would have been very similar to Samosatenus . The history of the Christian that of the new believers in Jerusalem following congregation at Iconium continues the Day of Pentecost. throughout several more centuries. 130 READ Acts 2:41-47 It was at Iconium that, according to Roman Catholic writings, Paul converted . Her ACTS 14 Acts, as it has come down to us, belongs to the ACTS 14 TOPICAL STUDIES latter part of the second century, and is not in Apostleship its original form ; but its nucleus is a very early document, probably of much the same date as Mental Attitude Sin Luke s Acts : and it is generally accepted as Salvation Doctrines giving a substantially true narrative of an Sin of Not Thinking Grace incident of Paul s ministry at Iconium. Although 14:1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they it is marked by some of the characteristics of the Apocryphal literature, many of the details went together into the synagogue of the Jews, have historical probability, especially as the and so spoke, that a great multitude of Jews and doctrinal motive Greeks believed. is in the background. One detail of great As Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the gospel, interest, in Thecla’s Acts, is the description of they selected cities situated along major Roman Paul s personal appearance, which may well highways. From Pisidian Antioch they traveled rest on some true tradition: bald, bow-legged, east to Iconium, which at that time was an strongly built, small in stature ; with large eyes influential city. They stayed longer here than at and meeting eyebrows and longish nose ; full of any other place on their first missionary grace ; sometimes looking like a man, journey. sometimes having the face of an angel. 131 Iconium It seems that the response in Iconium was [See description in the notes for Acts 13:50-52] much greater than it was in Antioch. The teaching of Paul and Barnabas was 14:2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the undoubtedly on the same themes that they had Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected developed in Antioch, presenting Christ as against the brethren. Messiah through the exposition of Old Testament scriptures. It was very effective, The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles many Jews and Gentiles accepted Christ as The animosity of the Jews, and the Gentiles they Savior. were able to persuade, was directed against the These converts laid the foundation of a whole Christian community, not just against Gospel church state in this place; for that Paul and Barnabas. there was a church here, is certain from (Acts 14:21-23). In the 1st century, is said to be bishop, or pastor of this church, and also Tertius, who are both reckoned among the “seventy” disciples of Christ. 130 In the 3rd century, Celsus was bishop of this Gill, Acts 14:1 church; and in the same century, several 131 Furneaux

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made their minds evil affected against the proof that Paul and Barnabas had a divine brethren commission to the Gentiles. “evil affected” is from kakovw “to embitter; to 14:4 But the multitude of the city was divided: poison someone’s mind against.” and part held with the Jews, and part with the NAS: “embittered them against the brethren” apostles. NIV: “poisoned their minds against the The whole population of Iconium was divided into two great factions: one party took the side brethren.” of the apostles, the other that of the Jews. It’s easy to encourage mental attitude sins in This is the first time in Acts that Paul and people who are not experienced in thinking grace. Barnabas are called apostles. Before this, in Acts, the word was restricted to the twelve, of Topic: Mental Attitude; Sin of Not Thinking Grace which neither Paul nor Barnabas were members. Failure to order one's thinking according to Grace involves several aspects of mental Topic: Apostleship attitude sin, including the following: 14:5 And when there was an assault made both • A spirit of pride by the Gentiles, and also by the Jews with their • Love for approbation or praise rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone • Self-will them, • Magnifying others’ faults while emphasizing an assault by the Gentiles, and also by the one’s own virtues Jews with their rulers • Negative disposition From oJrmhv “violent attempt; assault”. NIV. • Apathy “there was a plot afoot”, but there is nothing in • Jealousy, envy, bitterness, hatred the Greek about a plot; the translators of the 14:3 For a long time they spoke boldly in the NIV are inserting an idea here that is not in the Lord, who gave testimony unto the word of his original, I suppose in an attempt to make the grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done story more interesting. by their hands. It looks like the same sort of group that For a long time persecuted the apostles in Antioch, Gentiles and Jews in a violent assault, instigated and led by There were no violent attempts to expel the the rulers of the synagogues (not the rulers of apostles for a considerable period, possibly as the city; it is unlikely that civil leadership would long as six months. The whole missionary be involved in this sectarian conflict).. journey is estimated to have lasted three to four However, this time they were using direct years. The apostles tried to stay in each city violence, stoning. long enough to see a church established and one or more men trained enough to be to use them despitefully ordained as elders. Of course the more success From uJbrivzw to expose them, bring them into the Lord gave them, the more persecution they contempt, to reproach them with harsh could have expected. language, to accuse them of sedition; and then the spoke boldly in the Lord, who gave to stone them for blasphemy, which was the punishment among the Jews for that crime. testimony unto the word of his grace 14:6 They were aware of it, and fled unto Lystra By giving the apostles the power to work miracles. Miracles, such as healing the sick, and , cities of Lycaonia, and unto the curing the lame, casting out demons, were a region that lies round about:

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Paul and Barnabas knew well what the Jews 14:7 And there they preached the gospel. were attempting to do, so they made their They did not sit still, nor hide themselves in escape to neighboring districts in Lycaonia, these places; but, as in others, they preached where they might be more secure and have the Gospel. , of whom mention is made more liberty to preach the gospel. in Titus 3:12, and is said to be one of the While the site of Iconium has never been , is reported in some histories forgotten, and that of Antioch in Pisidia has to have been bishop of Lystra. Some now been clearly identified, those of Lystra and manuscripts say that the people of these towns Derbe remain are somewhat uncertain. 132 were greatly influenced by their preaching and that many came to Christ. Lystra It seems that there was no interference from …seems to have been located south of Iconium, Jews in this part of the ministry. There were north of the modern village of Hatunsaray, probably not very many Jews there, and doesn’t which itself is about 15 km north of a small seem to have been any synagogue. However, we town called Akoren, 30km south of know that there was at least one Jewish family, Konya(Iconium). There is a small museum that of , with her mother , and within the village of Hatunsaray that displays Eunice’s son Timothy. Paul and Barnabas might ruins from ancient Lystra. The Roman Empire have lodged with them, even on this first visit. made Lystra a colony in 6 BC, possibly to allow (Acts. 16:1) better control of the tribes in the mountains to 14:8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, the west. Soon after, the Romans built a road impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his from Lystra to Iconium in the north. mother's womb, who never had walked: Paul preached the gospel in Lystra after he had been driven by persecution from Iconium. (our there sat a certain man at Lystra current passage). Here Paul healed a man lame This lame man was sitting in a public place, as from birth (Acts 14:8). Paul visited this city the lame man in Acts 3 had been sitting at the again on his second missionary tour. (Acts entrance to the Temple in order to ask alms. 16:1) Timothy, who was a young disciple there There was no Temple here, and probably no (2 Tim. 3:10,11), was most likely one of those synagogue, as we might infer from the fact that who were on the previous occasion witnesses most of the people were totally ignorant of any of Paul's persecution and courage in Lystra. concept of Jehovah God. He might have been Timothy left Lystra and joined Paul and Silas on sitting at the main gate of the city. rest of the 2nd Missionary Journey. impotent in his feet Derbe “Impotent” is ajduvnato~ “powerless; The ruins of Derbe lie north of the Turkish incapable; (sometimes) impossible” town of Karaman. A distinctive church ruin there is believed to be the home of the last being a cripple from his mother’s womb, Bishop of Derbe, about 1000 AD. who had never walked. In ancient times, Derbe was a Christian city and He was born lame, as was the man who was was used as a refuge for traveling Christians. Its cured by Peter (Acts 3:2). Christian church was burned and buried under This account is a very close parallel with what a mountain of soil by the Roman Emperor Luke wrote about the first lame man.. Both Diocletian, during the Diocletian Persecution, in were lame at birth. In both cases the apostle 300 AD. After the destruction of Derbe, there “fastened his eyes on him”; and in both the man was a mass exodus of the population. “leaped up and began to walk.”

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14:9 The same heard Paul speak: who performed their wonders by whispering and steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that muttering.” 133 he had faith to be healed, he leaped up and walked The same heard Paul speak Here there is a difference from the earlier He heard the gospel message, and he believed healing by Peter, in that this man leaped up and the gospel walked of his own accord, whereas Peter grasped the lame man with his right hand and who, steadfastly beholding him lifted him to his feet. That is, it was Paul who beheld the man, not vice versa (as Peter had looked on the man he 14:11 And when the people saw what Paul had healed). done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to perceiving that he had faith to be healed us in the likeness of men. The man had heard a simple presentation of the The local population, steeped in religious lore, gospel, and he may have heard about the other looks upon Paul and Barnabas as two gods who miracles that Paul and Barnabas had done in have come down to Lystra in human form. Iconium. He accepted the doctrine that he The people of this region spoke Greek, but it heard, believing that Jesus could, if he would, was not their first language. They spoke a make him whole. Something about his looks, his regional language which Paul and Barnabas attention to the teaching, or something he said, probably did not know. The two apostles would gave Paul the assurance that he had faith. have been very perplexed about what was “To be healed” is the aorist passive infinitive of going on, until someone, at least, could explain swvzw “to make sound; to save”. Here, the it to them. When, in verse 13, the priest began meaning is clearly related to saving the body, to get ready to offer a sacrifice to the two men, rather than the soul; but the use of this Greek as gods, Paul knew that the whole incident had work is striking. been completely misunderstood. Other examples of faith in Christ leading to 14:12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and healing: Matt 9:21, 22, 28, 29; Luke 7:50; 17:19; Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker. 18:42. I don’t know why the KJV uses the Roman 14:10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on names for these gods here, Jupiter and Mercury. your feet. And he leaped and walked. In the Greek, the names used are Zeuv~ or Paul may have spoken with a loud voice so that Diov~ () and JErmh~ (Hermes). Both the people nearby could have heard clearly. Several NAS and NIV have the Greek equivalents. manuscripts expand Paul’s statement, to There is an interesting piece of mythology suggest that he said “I say unto you, in the name regarding the religious beliefs of people in this of the Lord Jesus Christ, stand upright on your region of the country in Roman times. Their feet,” which would make it even more like the legend said that both Zeus, the chief of the gods, words that Peter had spoken. and Hermes, the messenger of the gods, had John 11:43, Jesus cried with a loud voice visited an area in the province of Phrygia but “Lazarus come forth!” Why the loud voice? had been denied lodging by the local people. Barnes note: “This was distinctly asserting his Finally, an elderly man and his wife welcomed power. He uttered a distinct, audible voice, that the gods to their humble dwelling. The gods there might be no suspicion of charm or amply rewarded the couple’s hospitality by incantation. The ancient magicians and jugglers turning their house into a temple and, at the

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couple’s request, appointing them priests in near his feet; and as for what is written, nor this temple. The gods punished the rest of the rend his clothes (Lev. 21:10); the meaning people by destroying their homes. The legend is, he shall not rend as other men do, above, has been recorded by the Roman poet Ovid, over against the breast, near the shoulder, who lived from 43 BC to AD 17 and who called as the rest of the people.” 134 the gods by their Latin names: Jupiter (Zeus) In addition the Jews were required to do this and Mercury (Hermes). (Ovid, Metamorphoses, whenever they heard blasphemy. 8.626ff). Matthew 26:64,65 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was Jesus said to him, You have said: nevertheless I say before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto you, Hereafter shall you see the Son of man unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in with the people. the clouds of heaven. The inhabitants of Lystra worshiped Zeus Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He has (Jupiter), whom they regarded as their spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of guardian deity. Outside the city they had witnesses? behold, now you have heard his blasphemy. erected a temple in his honor. In addition, they worshiped Hermes (Mercury) as the patron So for Paul and Barnabas, steeped in Jewish deity of speakers and travelers and as the god habits, would have done this almost of fortune and fertility. Hermes, whose task was automatically. It would have been a very to relay messages from the gods to men, was dramatic and arresting gesture when done the son of Zeus and Maia. His name is reflected among all of these people of Lystra. in the word hermeneutics, which derives from 14:15 And saying, Sirs, why do you do these the Greek term which means “interpreter”. things? We also are men of like passions with There is a lot that could be included here about you, and preach unto you that you should turn the types of rituals and sacrifices which ancient from these vanities unto the living God, which people performed, but I’m going to leave that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all off here. I refer you to the numerous historical things that are therein: sources for these things [wdd]. Both Gill and we also are men of like passions with you Gloag have some good explanations. The phrase “of like passions” is from the Greek Really, the verse makes it clear what the priest oJmoiopaqhv~ , which (from the Analytical and the people were about to do. Lexicon of the NT) is (1) of the same (human) 14:14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and nature, similar in experience, as opposed to Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in having superhuman nature (Acts 14.15); (2) among the people, crying out, with the same feelings, experiencing similar they rent their clothes sufferings, as opposed to having supernatural power and exemption from suffering (James The Jews commonly would tear their clothes at 5.17) a time of mourning, such as at a funeral or in Paul and Barnabas are anxious to make sure grieving for the dead. The Mishnah Horayot has the rule for this: that the people know that they are not gods, but flesh and blood human beings. That is, they “a high priest rends below, and a common include themselves as plain people who need person above:” the sense of which, food and clothing, too (verse 17). according to their commentators, is “that if anyone dies for whom an high priest is obliged to rend his garments, he must rend below, at the extreme part of his garment, 134 Gill, Matthew 26:65

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turn from these vanities unto the living God doctrines of demons, darkness. Satan has a complete system of false theology to be “vanities” is mataiov~ , “empty, foolish, idle” or in references to religion, “unprofitable, futile, used to ensnare the novice, the useless” Used often (79 times) in the unprotected, the gullible. Today these Septuagint for “emptiness” or “vanity”, doctrines may be any system of religion, sometimes in reference to false gods or false existentialism, communism, or any other religion. non-biblical proposition. Into the "vacuum" will go misery, mental attitude sins, From notes on Eph. 4:17 religion, legalism, emphasis on details of This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, life, human viewpoint, and so forth. that you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles The Bible’s stern message in Ephesians 4 is walk, in the vanity of their mind. meant to be a dramatic and forceful A believer who is occupied with Christ and warning to all of us, to beware of carnality living in the Word is constantly "renewing and backsliding. his mind" by a process in which he continually takes in (inhales) the Word of who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, God and exercises the Word (exhales). Let's and all things that are therein. read ahead... Compare Paul’s comments to the people he met Eph. 4:22-24, That you put off concerning the on the Areopagus. former manner of life the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and BE READ Acts 17:16-34 RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND, 14:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to and that you put on the new man, which after God walk in their own ways. is created in righteousness and true holiness. “In times past” = “in past generations”, or NAS: The apostle Paul makes a very similar plea “in generations gone by”. to the Christians in Rome in Romans 12. Romans 12:1,2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, suffered all nations by the mercies of God, that you present your Clarke says, “…should be rendered ‘all the bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Gentiles’, to distinguish them from the Jewish God, which is your reasonable service. And be not people. The Jews had a revelation, and were not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by left to walk in their own ways. The Gentiles had the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and no revelation and were allowed to form their perfect, will of God. own religions and modes of worship. The opposite of a RENEWED mind is an to walk in their own ways EMPTY mind. Barnes: “To conduct themselves without the A Christian thinks, speaks, and acts based restraints and instructions of a written law. on the contents of his mind. "As a man They were permitted to follow their own thinks in his heart, so is he." In this context, reason and passions, and their own system of as a breathing exercise, a person “exhales” religion. God gave them no written laws, and from his frame of reference. sent to them no messengers.” Because a negative Christian does not 14:17 Nevertheless he left not himself without "inhale" the Word of God, he can only witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain "exhale" his own ideas, his own doctrines, from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our or the ideas and doctrines that he has hearts with food and gladness. picked up from whatever sources in the world. He left not himself without witness When a soul is empty, there is a resulting It was not unfair of God to have left the Gentiles "vacuum" that pulls in false doctrines, without the same kind of specific revelation

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that He provided to the Jews. The natural short time before, were eager to make sacrifice revelation was enough to reveal to any man the to them. Perhaps the Jews played on the idea existence and sovereignty of God. that the apostles had tried to pass themselves READ Romans 1:18-23 off as gods and that the heathen people of Lystra should deal harshly with them. he did good … In contrast to the imaginary gods and idols, they stoned Paul, and drew him out of the such as the very Jupiter to which Paul was city probably pointing, who didn’t provide anything, Stoning was a Jewish punishment, as we see in let alone that which fills hearts with food and Acts 7 concerning Stephen. One difference here gladness. is, that the Jews who stoned Stephen in Psalm 147:8 Jerusalem were careful to take him outside the Who covers the heaven with clouds, who prepares city before they stoned him, because it would rain for the earth. have polluted the holy city for the execution to 14:18 And with these sayings they barely be within city limits. Here, there was no such restrained the people, that they had not done concern for polluting a heathen town. Their intention was to kill Paul, and they thought that sacrifice unto them. they had succeeded. When they thought he was they barely restrained the people dead, they dragged him out of the city. Even with this speech, and demonstration of supposing he had been dead. tearing their clothes, Paul and Barnabas almost “Supposing” is (pres. act. part.), which failed in preventing the priest and the people nomivzw from offering sacrifice to them. Apparently the means “to support; to think; to presume”. NAS: crowd dispersed. “supposing him to be dead”. NIV: “thinking he was dead”. 14:19 And there came certain Jews from Antioch Luke does not say that Paul was dead, or that and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, anything miraculous happened. He says that his having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, would-be murderers thought he was dead. supposing he had been dead. Some commentators infer that Paul was dead, And there came certain Jews from Antioch then draw further conclusions as to his and Iconium miraculous resurrection, etc. Leaps to conclusions like this are unwarranted. Some time may have elapsed here, days or even weeks 14:20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round The Jews of the region were now dedicated about him, he rose up, and came into the city: enemies of the apostles, and seem to have and the next day he departed with Barnabas to followed them from one place to the next, to Derbe. oppose them, to stir up the people against As the disciples stood around him them, even to put them to death, if possible. In The murderous frenzy of the Jews and their both Antioch and Iconium, the Jews roused the allies was directed only at the apostle Paul, not people, including Gentiles, to assault the at any of the Jews or Gentiles who had become apostles. believers in Christ. The believers probably they persuaded the people thought they would have to bury Paul, as we see the devout men carrying Stephen to his Aor. act. part. of peivqw , “having persuaded” the people; as in NAS, “having won over the burial (Acts 8:2). It’s possible that Timothy, at people”, the stoned Paul … It’s ironic that the this time a teenager, was a witness to these “people” whom the Jews persuaded to assault things. Paul and Barnabas were the same who, just a

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he rose up 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and Again, there is no mention of anything exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that miraculous. All of the speculation among the we must through much tribulation enter into the commentators about Paul’s miraculous kingdom of God. resurrection, or healing, are based on. Confirming the souls of the disciples Furneaux’s statement, on the other hand, is right on, in particular because we have no other Rather, as in NAS and NIV, “strengthening the information: “A splendid illustration of Paul’s souls of the disciples”, although the NIV leaves fortitude. Roused from apparent death, he out the word “souls”, which reduces the struggled back to the city, bruised and shaken; meaning of the original Greek. and next morning started on a forty mile Greek, ejpisthrivzonte~ ta~ yuca~ twn maqhtwn journey to face fresh scenes of toil and danger.” The verb sthrivzw is “strengthen; establish”. 135 1 Thess. 3:1,2 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we Derbe thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Derbe was a city in the same province, Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and Lycaonia. Ruins of Derbe have been discovered our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to about forty miles from the town of Lystra, near establish (sthrivzw) you, and to comfort you the pass that leads to the Cilician gates. concerning your faith: 2 Thess. 2:16, 17 14:21 And when they had preached the gospel Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even to that city, and had taught many, they returned our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish (sthrivzw) when they had preached the gospel to that you in every good word and work. city 1 Peter 5:10 This is eujaggelisavmenoiv “to preach the But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto gospel”. his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have Paul and Barnabas were successful in their suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen (sthrivzw ), settle you. evangelizing in Derbe, as is seen in the Greek here, if not in the KJV translation. The English The issue with new believers is, what principles of the KJV does not reveal to us that anyone of doctrine should be taught. We know that the actually accepted what Paul and Barnabas apostles wanted very urgently to see the novice taught, which is a major omission. It is very Christians established in the faith. important to know that people came to Christ How should a local church’s teaching in Derbe, and the inspired scripture in the curriculum be organized in order, as quickly as Greek makes that clear. possible, to bring the new believers to a place of The phrase “and had taught many” is kai stability in their Christians live, to show them ijkanouv~ maqhteuvsante~ “and had made how to grow in grace, and to give them some many disciples”, which we see more accurately idea of how to be spiritual productive? translated in the NAS and NIV. For stability: Salvation Doctrines and Positional From Derbe, the apostles returned to the cities Truth where they had won so many to Christ in the For growth: Spirituality; Maturity; Edification preceding months.

135 Furneaux, Acts 14:20

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exhorting them to continue in the faith that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 14:23 And when they had ordained elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 14:24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 14:25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 14:26 And from there sailed to Antioch, where they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 14:28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.